A man and teenage boy were arrested for alleged drug supply by detectives investigating two separate armed robberies at a supermarket in Sydney’s south-west three months ago, NSW Police say.
Just after midnight on Sunday 7 August 2017, three people armed with knives entered the rear of a supermarket at Auburn, and threatened staff, demanding cash.
The group stole the staff members’ mobile phones before running from the store and fleeing in a dark-coloured hatchback.
About 7.20pm the following Saturday (12 August 2017), two men, who had their faces covered, entered the Auburn supermarket, and approached an office.
The pair gained access to the office and threatened a female employee and assaulted her, before taking cash and fleeing in a dark-coloured hatchback.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Gallium to investigate the robberies, which are believed to be linked.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives stopped a car on Kippax Street, Surry Hills, about 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 11 November 2017).
Police spoke with the 17-year-old male driver and the 18-year-old male passenger before conducting a search of the vehicle, where they located 33g of cocaine, which was seized.
The pair was taken to Waverley Police Station.
Shortly after the arrest, Strike Force Gallium detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Bennett Street, South Granville.
Investigators seized a car, which is believed to be proceeds of crime; an extendable baton, and other items relevant to the investigation.
The 18-year-old South Granville man was charged with accessory before the fact to armed robbery, robbery whilst armed with a dangerous weapon in company, deal with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, drive while suspended, supply prohibited drug, and possess prohibited weapon.
He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 12 November 2017).
The 17-year-old Auburn boy was charged with supply prohibited drug.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 11 December 2017.
Investigations under Strike Force Gallium are ongoing, and further arrests are expected.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Gallium investigators to call Crime Stoppers.
