Police have arrested 10 people following a number of search warrants in Sydney’s inner-west this morning as part of Operation Boyla, NSW Police say.
Operation Boyla, comprising officers from Liechhardt Local Area Command, was established in February to target the alleged supply of ‘ice’.
About 7am today, local police – with assistance from specialist units including Operational Support Group (OSG), Redfern and Surry Hills Region Enforcement Squads and the Dog Unit, executed six search warrants in Camperdown, Liechhardt and Rosebery.
While searching the properties, police allegedly located amounts of ‘ice’, cannabis and heroin, ammunition, cash and property suspected of being stolen, all of which has been seized and will undergo further forensic examination.
A total of 10 people were arrested during the operation, including:
A 69-year-old man was arrested following a search warrant at a unit block on Pyrmont Bridge Road at Camperdown.
Four other men – aged 25, 42, 56 and 31 – as well as three women aged 21, 42, and 48, were also arrested within other units in the same Camperdown complex.
In addition, a 57-year-old man was arrested after a search warrant was executed at an apartment block on Beeson Street, Leichhardt.
A 31-year-old woman was also arrested, following the search of her Dunning Avenue, Rosebery, home. She was later charged with supply prohibited drug (three counts), possess prohibited drug (three counts), deal with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, and possession of equipment for administering drugs.
Those arrested are expected to face numerous drug-related charges. Further information will be released, when available.
Leichhardt Local Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Paul Pisanos, reassured the community police will continue to target those who brings dangerous drugs into our neighbourhoods.
"Today’s search warrants are the result of months of hard work, and cooperation from members of the public, to track down those who are distributing ‘ice’ in our local community," Det Supt Pisanos said.
"This insidious drug is ravaging lives right across NSW and unfortunately its impact has been felt here; however, this sort of criminal activity will not be tolerated.
"The money-hungry criminals who manufacture and distribute ‘ice’ have zero concern for those using this drug or the wider community affected by its spread," Det Supt Pisanos said.
"Today’s operation included targeting properties within public housing complexes. These are home to some of the most vulnerable in our community; people who’ve been placed in emergency housing as a result of domestic and family violence, loss of income or health concerns.
"They deserve a safe and secure home, like everyone does, and that’s why we will continue to seek out those who are selling drugs from these properties and posing serious risk to the residents around them," Det Supt Pisanos said.
"I’d also like to urge the community, if you know something about the manufacture or distribution of ‘ice’ in your neighbourhood, to please come forward.
"A simple phone call to Crime Stopers.
