Three people will face court today charged after NSW counter terrorism detectives uncovered an illicit drug and firearm supply network.
In January 2018, detectives from the Terrorism Investigation Squad established Strike Force Ceric to investigate the illicit supply and acquisition of firearms.
As part of the investigation, detectives were also conducting inquiries into the supply of prohibited drugs and illicit tobacco across Sydney's south-west.
Investigators have been assisted by the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.
During the course of the investigation, police seized more than 2.5kg of cocaine, 1kg of MDMA, more than $260,000 cash, and a Ruger pistol.
Following extensive inquiries, Strike Force Ceric detectives, assisted by specialist operatives from the Tactical Operations Unit, arrested a 30-year-old man during a vehicle stop at Lurnea, just after 11am yesterday (Wednesday 31 July 2019).
A short time later, a 49-year-old man was arrested in a carpark on Milperra Road, Bankstown.
Both men were taken to Bankstown Police Station
Shortly after the arrests, investigators executed four search warrants at Liverpool, Merrylands, Villawood, and Wetherill Park.
During the searches, police seized a further 500g of cocaine and cash.
A third person – a 29-year-old woman – was arrested at a business Newington and also taken to Bankstown Police Station.
The 30-year-old Liverpool man was charged with seven counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, and supply pistol to person unauthorised to possess it.
The 49-year-old Villawood man was charged with import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug, seven counts of supply prohibited drug, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and possess prohibited drug.
The 29-year-old Merrylands woman was charged with nine counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, and supply pistol to person unauthorised to possess it.
Police will allege in court that the group are involved in the supply of prohibited drugs and firearms across Sydney.
They have all been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court later today (Thursday 1 August 2019).
Investigations under Strike Force Ceric are continuing.
Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said it is not uncommon for counter terrorism investigations to uncover other serious criminal activity.
"We have many ongoing investigations into people of national security concern and if they branch into high-level organised crime then we will fully investigate," Assistant Commissioner Walton said.
"The arrests today are an example of this type of law enforcement. The Terrorism Investigation Squad won't wait for something to happen, we will proactively target people who we suspect pose a risk to the community.
"As expected from any police officer, if a counter terrorism investigator detects crime, they will act, which is what we've seen in Strike Force Ceric."
Assistant Commissioner Walton added that there was no direct terrorist threat linked to this investigation.
"While I commend the diligent work of Strike Force Ceric investigators, it needs to be emphasised that no specific threat was detected through their inquiries, nor was there a threat at any time to public safety," Assistant Commissioner Walton said.
Anyone with information in relation to suspected terrorism should always come forward, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123400.
Support from the NSW community is an important part of keeping NSW safe against acts of terrorism. There are a number of ways individuals and communities can prevent and prepare for emergencies.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit secureNSW, the official NSW Government site for Counter Terrorism Information. Visit www.secure.nsw.gov.au.
Further, anyone with information about illicit drug or firearm supply, or any organised criminal activity, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
