Five people have been charged and more than $300,000 cash and four vehicles have been seized as part of a car rebirthing investigation.
In August 2018, detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad's Motor Unit established Strike Force Emelle to investigate the coordinated theft, rebirthing and on-sale of stolen motor vehicles and vessels across Sydney.
As part of their inquiries, detectives also received information about the supply of prohibited drugs.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from the North West and South West Operations Support Group, executed five search warrants at homes in The Ponds, Hornsby, Yagoona, Ermington and Dundas yesterday (Wednesday 30 October 2019).
Three men – aged 20, 30 and 32 – were charged and remain before the courts.
During a search of the properties, officers seized more than $332,000 cash, four vehicles including a Honda Integra sedan, Toyota Prado and two BMW's, four boats, a motorcycle, mobile phones, knuckle dusters, electronic devices, firearms and documents.
Officers also seized more than 660g of cocaine, which has an estimated potential street value of more than $245,000.
Following further inquiries, detectives executed a further two search warrants at homes at Harris Park and Westleigh earlier today (Thursday 31 October 2019).
A 64-year-old man was arrested at a home in Westleigh and taken to Hornsby Police Station.
The man was charged with 49 offences including knowingly facilitate organised car rebirthing, dishonestly make unique identifier (x44), possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, possess unauthorised firearm (x2), and not keep firearm safely.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday 27 November 2019.
A short time later, a 20-year-old woman was arrested at the Harris Park home and taken to Granville Police Station.
The woman was charged with supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), possess prohibited drug, steal motor vehicle (x2), and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
She was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday 26 November 2019.
Investigations under Strike Force Emelle are continuing.
Anyone with information that can assist Strike Force Emelle detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
