Police investigating the suspected theft of cigarettes – valued at $7 million – from a warehouse have charged two men following raids across south-west Sydney, NSW Police say.
Strike Force Pyrope was established by Redfern detectives following the suspected theft of cigarettes from a warehouse in Alexandria in April this year.
Following an extensive investigation, Redfern detectives yesterday (Tuesday 4 September 2018), executed search warrants at businesses on Ballantrae Drive at St Andrews, Queen Street at Campbelltown, and Merrylands Road at Merrylands.
Search warrants were also executed at homes in Toscana Street at Prestons, and Begovich Crescent at Abbotsbury.
Police seized about 1550 cartons of cigarette, about $250,000 cash, and two Toyota Hilux vehicles.
A 46-year-old man was arrested in Prestons and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with six counts of receiving goods suspected of being stolen, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 3 October 2018.
A 44-year-old man was arrested in Merrylands and taken to Campbelltown Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of receiving goods suspected of being stolen, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on Monday 8 October 2018.
Assistance to Redfern detectives has been provided by Australian Border Force, as well as police from specialist NSWPF units, and officers from Campbelltown, Fairfield, Cumberland and Liverpool Police Area Commands.
Inquiries are continuing.
