Five people will face court following ongoing investigations into a large-scale drug supply syndicate allegedly operating throughout Sydney, NSW Police say.
In February 2017 officers attached to the former Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Mirimar to investigate the large-scale supply of cocaine through the Sydney Metropolitan Region.
It is alleged by police that the group leaders would utilise the services of others to transport and supply cocaine to hundreds of customers throughout the Sydney Metropolitan Region.
Investigations continued under the Criminal Groups Squad.
Between March and December 2017 police allegedly located and seized a semi-automatic pistol, explosives and various ammunition as well as cash.
About 8.30am yesterday (Friday 8 December 2017), police arrested a 43-year-old man at Ryde Police Station.
Officers then executed a search warrant at a home on Porter Street, Ryde, where a 27-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy were arrested.
Two men, aged 22 and 29, were also arrested.
The 43-year-old man was charged with a number of offences including direct a criminal group, possess firearm and explosives, deal with proceeds of crime as well as a number of drug-related offences, including supply commercial quantity of cocaine.
The 27-year-old woman was charged with direct a criminal group, possess firearm and explosives, deal with proceeds of crime and supply indictable quantity of cocaine.
The 17-year-old boy was charged with take part in supply of commercial quantity of cocaine, direct criminal group, deal with proceeds of crime, and two counts of indictable supply of drugs.
The 22-year-old man was charged with take part in supply of commercial quantity of cocaine, participate in a criminal group and supply prohibited drug on ongoing basis.
The 29-year-old man was charged with supply commercial quantity of cocaine, supply indictable quantity of cocaine and participate in a criminal group.
All five were refused bail and the adults will appear in Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 9 December 2017).
The teenager will appear in Children’s Court.
Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, Commander of the Criminal Groups Squad, says the arrests should act as a warning to those who participate in criminal activity.
"This syndicate was a sophisticated and highly organised group but like all criminal groups, their time came to an end," she said.
"Drug supply and use have absolutely devastating effects on the community and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure groups like these are stopped."
"It may not be today or tomorrow but if you are involved in criminal activity it is only a matter of time before we catch up with you."
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident or drug supply to call Crime Stoppers.
