Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men after seizing 1kg of cocaine and $50,000 cash as part of ongoing investigations into an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the supply of illicit drugs across Sydney.
In January 2021, detectives attached to the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad, together with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), established Strike Force Iandra to investigate the activities of an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the supply of prohibited drugs – mainly methylamphetamine (ice) and heroin – across Sydney.
So far during the investigation, three men – aged 27, 28 and 31 – have been charged and remain before the courts.
Following further extensive inquiries, detectives executed three criminal organisation search warrants at units in Canley Heights, Wiley Park, and Condell Park, from 7am yesterday (Tuesday 1 February 2022).
Organised Crime Squad investigators were assisted throughout the operation by officers attached to South West Metropolitan Region Operations Support Group, Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad.
During the searches, police seized more than $50,000 cash and nearly 1kg of cocaine with an estimated potential street value of $386,000.
Officers also seized cannabis, methylamphetamine (ice), magic mushrooms (psilocybin), electronic items, and equipment consistent with the manufacture of prohibited drugs.
All items will undergo forensic examination.
Two men – both aged 27 – were arrested at Canley Heights and Wiley Park and taken to local police stations.
The Canley Heights man was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. He appeared at Fairfield Local Court the same day, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Tuesday 29 March 2022.
The Wiley Park man was charged with eight offences, including supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), three counts of possess prohibited drug, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and two counts of deal with property proceeds of crime. He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Thursday 24 February 2022.
Investigations under Strike Force Iandra are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
