Two men will face court today charged following a Cybercrime Squad investigation into illicit drug supply over the internet.
In January 2018, detectives from the State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Bribaree to investigate the online supply of prohibited drugs, including prescribed restricted substances.
As part of their inquiries, detectives identified an online drug distribution network operating from Sydney's north west using a website hosted offshore.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives intercepted 22 post parcels and seized a variety of prohibited drugs on Thursday (19 September 2019).
About 3.30pm yesterday (Friday 20 September 2019), investigators, assisted by Strike Force Raptor, arrested a 60-year-old man at Bella Vista.
Police will allege that the man was at the location to post parcels containing drugs.
About an hour later, a 28-year-old man was arrested at a unit at North Rocks.
Following the arrests, strike force investigators executed search warrants at the Bella Vista home and the North Rocks unit.
During the searches, police seized a significant quantity of steroids (more than 2500 vials, 100 canisters, and 1000 tablets), a tablet press, a label maker, various items related to the packaging and distribution of illicit drugs, a firearm, a baton, mobile phones, sim cards, computers, electronic storage devices.
A crime scene was established at the North Rocks property after detectives located items consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
Specialist officers from the Chemical Operations Team are currently in the process of dismantling the set-up, while forensic officers conduct examinations.
The younger man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, and two counts of deal with identity info to commit etc indictable offence.
Police will allege that the man supplied steroids online and received payment via cryptocurrency.
The older man was charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis and four counts of deal with identity info to commit etc indictable offence.
The pair were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 21 September 2019).
Investigations under Strike Force Bribaree are continuing, and further charges are expected.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Bribaree investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
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