PLEASE NOTE: Images will be available later today.
Police have charged six people with 33 offences, following the dismantling of a large scale drug syndicate operating the state's Illawarra region.
In October 2025, detectives attached to Lake Illawarra Police District established Strike Force Yetna to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs by criminal networks in the Illawarra.
Following extensive investigations, about 7.10am yesterday (Thursday 22 January 2026), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor South, Southern Operation Support Group, Wollongong Police District, South Coast Police District and the NSW Dog Unit – executed nine search warrants across properties in Farmborough Heights, Albion Park, Albion Park Rail, Primbee and Warilla.
During the operation, police located and seized 1.18 kilograms of cocaine – with an estimated street value of $390,000, 2.12kg of cannabis - with an estimated street value of $53,000, 16 registered and 2 unregistered firearms, $98,939 in cash, four knuckle dusters, 15 vials of anabolic steroids, 223 packets of cigarettes and ammunition.
Following the searches, five men – aged 47, 48, 28, 58, 69 – and a 42-year-old female were arrested and charged with 33 offences relating to the alleged supply of drugs and firearms.
Notable incidents include;
About 7.15am yesterday, officers executed a search warrant at a home in McCabe Street, Warilla. During the search, police seized cocaine, drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs. A 47-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where he was charged with 10 offences, including knowingly direct activities of criminal group, owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises and drug supply offences. He was refused bail to appear in Bail Division Court 3 today (Friday 23 January 2026).
About 7.30am yesterday, officers executed a search warrant at a home in Orchid Street, Albion Park Rail. During the search, police seized a firearm, ammunition, cocaine, $2,635 cash, two Harley Davidson motorbikes, four e-bikes, two jet skis, a spa, 4WD – which police will allege are the proceeds of crime. A 48-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where he was charged with six offences including possess unauthorised firearm and possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority. He was refused bail to appear in Bail Division Court 3 today (Friday 23 January 2026).
The remaining three men and one woman were granted conditional bail to appear in Port Kembla Local Court next month.
Investigations under Strike Force Yetna continues.
