Three men will face court tomorrow charged with firearms and money laundering offences after police seized two loaded handguns and almost $650,000 cash as part of an ongoing investigation into organised crime, NSW Police say.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Mangowa to investigate the activities of organised criminal groups operating in Sydney.
As part of their inquiries, strike force investigators received information that a group of men were in possession of illegal firearms.
An operation to locate the men was commenced earlier today (Wednesday 13 December 2017), and just after midday, three men were arrested by officers from the Tactical Operations Unit at Centennial Park.
Following a search of the men, strike force detectives seized two handguns – a self-loading semi-automatic Smith and Wesson pistol and a self-loading semi-automatic Beretta – ammunition, and almost $650,000 cash.
A 27-year-old Constitution Hill man, a 34-year-old Crows Nest man, and a 39-year-old The Ponds man were taken to Waverley Police Station.
Each of the men were charged with two counts of possess unauthorised pistol, possess ammunition without holding licence, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
They have been refused bail to appear at Waverley Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 14 December 2017).
Investigations under Strike Force Mangowa are ongoing.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to organised criminal activity or any activity impacting on the safety of the community to call Crime Stoppers.
