Organised Crime Squad detectives have arrested two men after locating nearly $12 million worth of cocaine and 'ice' during a vehicle stop in Sydney's south-west, as part of ongoing investigations into the seizure of more than 50kg of illicit drugs in the state's south.
Earlier this year, detectives from the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad, together with Murrumbidgee Police District, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), commenced an investigation into the supply of illicit drugs across the state.
About 5.30pm on Tuesday 1 June 2021, officers attached to Murrumbidgee Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a white Mitsubishi Triton dual cab utility on the Sturt Highway, Hay, after checks revealed the vehicle was unregistered.
During a search of the ute, officers located more than 30kg of methylamphetamine (ice), 11kg of MDMA, 3kg of heroin and 4kg of cocaine.
The driver – a 65-year-old man – was arrested and charged. He remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, officers executed a search at a unit at Stockton from 11.30am on Friday 4 June 2021. During the search, police seized $450,000 cash, electronic equipment and further prohibited drugs including methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, heroin and cannabis.
Last month, as part of ongoing investigations, Organised Crime Squad detectives established Strike Force Garlow to further investigate the supply of prohibited drugs across Sydney's south-west.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested two men – aged 24 and 23 – during a vehicle stop at the intersection of the M5 Motorway and The River Road at Milperra, about 1pm yesterday (Friday 9 July 2021).
During the arrest, the older man ran across the M5 away from police. The man was found a short time later hiding in bushes near Milperra Road.
The man was searched by police, who seized 280 grams of cocaine hidden in his pants.
During a search of the vehicle, police seized 17kg of cocaine and 8kg of methylamphetamine (ice).
The combined estimated potential street value of illicit drugs seized is $9.284 million.
A short time later, offices executed a search warrant at a unit at Kogarah, where they seized 170 grams of a white substance believed to be cocaine.
The men were taken to Bankstown Police Station, where the 24-year-old man was charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug > large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug > commercial quantity, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and escape police custody.
Police will allege in court that the man was involved in the supply of illicit drugs worth $9.284 million.
It will be further alleged that the man was also involved in the supply of 50kg of illicit drugs earlier this year.
The 23-year-old man was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug > large commercial quantity.
The pair were both refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 10 July 2021).
Investigations by the Organised Crime Squad 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.
