Four men and a woman were charged by the Criminal Groups Squad yesterday and two firearms, illicit drugs, cash and luxury items were seized as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of ice.
In June 2020, detectives from the State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad established Strike Force Ethne to investigate a criminal syndicate involved in the supply of illicit drugs – mainly methylamphetamine (ice).
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested two men – aged 32 and 34 – in the carpark of a licenced hotel at Mount Pritchard just after 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 16 February 2021).
Shortly after the arrests, six search warrants were executed with the assistance of Strike Force Raptor, the Public Order and Riot Squad, and the Dog Unit at homes at Bossley Park, Hinchinbrook, Mount Pritchard, St Johns Park, Wentworth Point, and West Hoxton.
Two further men – aged 28 and 32 – and a 31-year-old woman were arrested during the searches and also taken to local police stations.
During the searches, officers seized two revolvers – a loaded .22 Smith & Wesson and a .357 Magnum, which will undergo forensic and ballistic examination – ammunition, a ballistic vest, knuckle dusters, more than $27,000 cash, cannabis and three cannabis plants, prescription drugs, electronic devices, mobile phones, documentation and various luxury items, suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Further, during the course of the investigation, detectives have seized more than 1kg of methylamphetamine (ice), with an estimated potential street value of $550,000.
The 32-year-old Bossley Park man was charged with large commercial drug supply, direct criminal group contribute criminal activity, knowingly derive material benefit from criminal group, and possess prohibited weapon.
Police will allege in court that the man was the upline supplier for the other men and directed the activities of the criminal group.
The 32-year-old West Hoxton man was charged with large commercial drug supply, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and knowingly derive material benefit from criminal group.
The 34-year-old Hinchinbrook man was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, large commercial drug supply, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, knowingly derive material benefit from criminal group and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The 28-year-old St Johns Park man was charged with large commercial drug supply, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of possess prohibited firearm, not keep firearm safe, and possess ammunition without permit.
They have all been refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court today (Wednesday 17 February 2021).
The 31-year-old Wentworth Point woman was charged with drug supply, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and owner/occupier operate drug premises.
She has been granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 25 February 2021.
Investigations under Strike Force Ethne are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information about the activities of criminal networks, including the supply of prohibited drugs, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
