A further three men have been charged by Raptor Squad following an investigation into the sale and supply of prohibited drugs.
In September 2020, investigators attached to the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad, with the assistance of the New South Wales Crime Commission (NSWCC), established Strike Force Warabin to investigate the distribution of commercial drugs by a criminal network across New South Wales and interstate.
In February 2021, investigators seized 127kg cannabis in a truck at a heavy vehicle stop in Moss Vale. The male driver, aged 25, was arrested and taken to Goulburn Police Station where he was charged. The man remains before the courts.
In March 2021, Raptor Squad investigators, with assistance from Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC) and Queensland Police Service (QPOL), received information that drugs were allegedly being trafficked from Sydney to Brisbane.
During subsequent search warrants in Queensland, QPOL officers seized cash, a mobile phone, 130kg of cannabis, 1.5kg of cocaine and 2000 litres of chemicals.
Two men, aged 30 and 24, were also charged after $4.5 million in drugs were seized as a result of a joint operation between Raptor Squad and Queensland Police (QPOL). They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, detectives located drugs and a machete in a vehicle on Woodpark Road, Smithfield, on Thursday 27 May 2021.
The male driver of the car, aged 38, was arrested and taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local court on Friday 28 May 2021 where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 29 July 2021.
That day, police also executed a search warrant at home in Guilford, where they seized electronic items, watches, and jewellery.
Another 38-year-old man was arrested and taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and knowingly direct activities of criminal group. He was bail refused to appear at Parramatta Local court on Friday 28 May 2021 where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 10 June 2021.
Following further inquiries, detectives executed four search warrants at properties in Pyrmont, Revesby, and Sydney City from 6am today (Friday 4 June 2021).
During the search, investigators seized $120,000 in cash, jewellery, watches, electronic devices and a small amount of drugs.
A 27-year-old man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with four counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and four counts of supply prohibited drug.
The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 5 June 2021).
Investigations as part of SF Warabin 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.
