A man and two women have been charged following an investigation into large-scale drug supply across Australia using the Dark Web and postal services.
In April 2018, detectives from the State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad established Strike Force Royden to investigate criminal networks involved in the supply of illicit drugs in NSW.
As part of their inquiries, detectives identified a technologically-sophisticated online drug distribution network operating from the South Coast and engaged investigators from South Coast Police District and the Cybercrime Squad.
Following extensive investigations, Strike Force Royden detectives, with the assistance of Australia Post, intercepted 85 post parcels and seized a variety of prohibited drugs of varying weights on Wednesday (13 February 2019).
From 10.30am yesterday (Thursday 14 February 2019), investigators, assisted by Strike Force Raptor, executed four search warrants at properties at Callala Bay and Callala Beach and a fifth search warrant at a home at Quakers Hill.
During the searches, police seized more than 200g of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a total of 2.5kg of white powders, believed to be cocaine, amphetamine, diazepam, and other illicit substances; 100,000 lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) tabs, cannabis, boxes of Xanax disguised as candy, blue and yellow pills, believed to be illicit drugs; as well as more than $80,000 cash, documentation, a laptop computer, electronic storage devices, mobile phones, a vacuum sealer, a label maker, money counters, and other items related to the packaging and distribution of illicit drugs.
Investigators also seized three vehicles, a Lexus, a Mercedes-Benz, and a Ford Falcon. Inquiries into the ownership of a fourth vehicle – a Maserati – are continuing.
Specialist detectives conducted a technical exploitation of electronic exhibits and an analysis of cryptocurrency wallets, and seized cryptocurrencies, which are alleged to be the proceeds of crime.
While this analysis is ongoing, initial inquiries indicate that more than $17 million has been transacted through the wallets in recent years.
Three people – a 25-year-old man, a 24-year-old woman and a 20-year-old woman – were arrested during the operation and taken to Nowra Police Station.
The 25-year-old Callala Beach man was charged with four counts of drug supply, knowingly direct activities of criminal group, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court that the man was operating as an online vendor on the Dark Web and supplying prohibited drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, LSD, cannabis, methylamphetamine (ice), amphetamine, and prescription medication.
The 24-year-old Callala Bay woman was charged with four counts of drug supply, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime.
The 20-year-old Quakers Hill woman was charged with four counts of drug supply, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court that the women were involved in the preparation, packaging, and distribution of prohibited drugs, which had been ordered on the Dark Web.
All three have been refused bail to appear at Nowra Local Court today (Friday 15 February 2019).
State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said the investigation uncovered the largest online drug supply network in the state – if not the country.
"We're putting would-be drug pushers on notice – NSW Police Force has some of the most sophisticated technology and resources at our disposal; you can no longer try to hide the peddling of poisons on the Dark Web," Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
"The co-ordinated investigative efforts by local and specialist investigators show that there's nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, even online; if you're involved in crime, we will find you.
"While we will continue to target the drug trade at every level of the supply chain, we remind the community that the demand of these prohibited substances needs to be addressed.
"Concocted in filthy hovels by profit-driven criminal networks, there is no quality control with these toxic substances. Whether purchased on the street or online, illicit drugs are capable of causing serious injury or death," Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
Police would also like to acknowledge the ongoing assistance of Australia Post in the investigation of drug supply throughout NSW.
Australia Post General Manager Group Security Kevin Zuccato said the organisation recognises the impact the Dark Net is having on local communities.
"We are committed to working with law enforcement agencies nationally and internationally to identify those responsible for trafficking illicit drugs and bringing them to justice." Mr Zuccato said.
Investigations under Strike Force Royden are ongoing, which includes inquiries into the importation of prohibited and restricted substances.
Anyone with information relating to the illicit activities of criminal networks is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
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