A man has been charged as part of an investigation into the alleged ongoing supply of prohibited drugs in the Illawarra.
Strike Force Cohen was established by detectives from Wollongong Police District to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine ('ice') throughout the Illawarra.
In August 2020, three men – aged 30, 37 and 55, and a 44-year-old woman were charged with drug supply offences as part of investigations under Strike Force Cohen. All four remain before the courts.
Following further investigations, strike force detectives, with the assistance of the Southern Region Enforcement Squad, Public Order Riot Squad, Lake Illawarra Police District and Dog Unit, executed a second phase - Strike Force Cohen II - with two search warrants executed at homes in Berkeley earlier today (Thursday 4 March 2021).
The police operation began shortly after 8am, with a 38-year-old man arrested at a home on Nanawilli Street, Berkeley. He was taken to Wollongong Police Station.
During a search of the properties, police seized several items including methylamphetamine, cannabis, cash and a motor vehicle believed to be obtained from the proceeds of crime. These items will undergo forensic examination.
The 38-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), 26 counts of supply prohibited drug and two counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.
He was refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court today (Thursday 4 March 2021).
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected to be made.
Anyone with information that can assist Strike Force Cohen investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
