Detectives have charged two men, seized nearly 2kg of cocaine and dismantled a large clandestine drug laboratory as part of an ongoing joint investigation into the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs by an organised crime syndicate.
Earlier this year, the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad, together with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the NSW Crime Commission, established Strike Force Yilgarn to investigate the manufacture and supply of cocaine across NSW.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad, executed a crime scene warrant at an industrial unit at Seven Hills from 1.30pm yesterday (Friday 22 May 2020).
A 33-year-old man was arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station.
During the search, officers uncovered chemicals and equipment used for the extraction, manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs, which were examined before being dismantled by the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Team.
Strike force investigators have so far seized 1.8kg of cocaine, with an estimated potential street value of $675,000.
A short time later, detectives executed two search warrants at homes at Yagoona and Arncliffe and seized mobile phones, equipment used in the manufacture of prohibited drugs, and $100,000 cash.
All items seized during the investigation will undergo forensic testing.
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the Arncliffe home and taken to St George Police Station.
The Yagoona man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The Arncliffe man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity).
Police will allege in court that the men were involved in the large-scale manufacture and supply of cocaine across NSW.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 23 May 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Yilgarn are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Yilgarn investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
