Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged a man following an alleged armed tobacco rip earlier this year.
On Monday 28 April 2025, officers from State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad became aware of an armed robbery that occurred on Canterbury Road, Belmore, three days earlier.
Despite it not being reported to police, detectives determined that two unidentified men – armed with a revolver-style firearm and a baseball bat – arrived at the location at approximately 11.05pm and threatened two occupants.
The occupants, one man and a 16-year-old boy, were allegedly detained for nearly 10 minutes before the pair fled the scene with five large cardboard boxes believed to contain illicit tobacco.
Strike Force Batesford was established to investigate the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, about 6.15am today (Friday 25 July 2025), strike force detectives – with assistance from South West Metropolitan Operation Support Group – executed a search warrant in Hammondville where they arrested a 19-year-old man.
During a search of the address, police located mobile phones and a replica revolver style firearm.
The man was taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, take/detain person in company with intent obtain advantage, and owner not disclose identity of driver/passenger.
He was refused bail and appeared in Liverpool Local Court the same day.
About 6.50am, strike force detectives – with assistance from Bass Hill Regional Enforcement Squad – executed a search warrant in East Hills where detective seized a small amount of drugs, five mobile phones, and other items relevant to their investigation.
Investigations under Strike Force Batesford continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
