A former Bandidos OMCG member has been charged after Raptor Squad investigators located a loaded handgun, vehicles and jet skis valued at $300,000, and a clandestine laboratory concealed in storage sheds in Sydney's west.
As part of ongoing targeting and disruption of the illicit activities of criminal networks, officers from the Raptor Squad, with assistance from North West Metro Region Enforcement Squad (RES), executed a search warrant at a home at Werrington Downs from 7am on Thursday 20 May 2021.
During the search, investigators seized more than $34,000 cash, a large quantity of anabolic steroids, an expandable baton, a slingshot and several electronic devices.
A 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of possess prohibited weapon, two counts of possess weapon contrary to prohibition order and one count of possess prohibited drug.
The man – who is a former Bandidos OMCG member – was refused bail and appeared at Penrith Local Court the same day.
Following further inquiries, Raptor Squad executed three crime scene warrants at storage sheds at St Marys from 3pm (Thursday 20 May 2021).
During the searches, officers seized a loaded handgun, knuckle dusters and prescription medications – including fentanyl and steroids.
Police located 25kg of alprazolam (Xanax) tablets and about 1.1kg of alprazolam powder, with a combined estimated potential street value of $300,000.
Vehicles and vessels with a combined value of more than $300,000, including two Holden SS Torana vehicles, two Yamaha dirt bikes, two jet skis and a trailer, were also seized.
Investigators uncovered a clandestine laboratory within one of the storage sheds and established a crime scene.
The property was subsequently examined by specialist officers from the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Team, and the setup was dismantled the following day (Friday 21 May 2021).
Further items consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs were also seized.
All items located during the operations were sent for further examination.
The 39-year-old man was subsequently charged with an additional nine offences, including deal with property proceeds of crime, possess drug manufacture apparatus make prohibited drug, possess ammunition without holding licence and possess unauthorised pistol.
He is now facing a total of 15 charges and is next due to appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday 10 June 2021.
Investigations by Raptor Squad are continuing.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009, before becoming a standalone squad in 2021. Raptor Squad conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist the Raptor Squad can report it directly to investigators via their online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
