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Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a man over allegedly supplying large quantities of prohibited drugs on the ‘dark web’.
In January 2023, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Cesta to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs across NSW using dark net marketplaces.
During the course of the investigation, detectives identified a marketplace facilitating the supply of cocaine, methylamphetamine and MDMA in exchange for cryptocurrency.
Following extensive inquiries, Strike Force Cesta investigators executed search warrants at an apartment complex in Bondi Junction and a house in Vaucluse about 1.30pm yesterday (Thursday 18 May 2023).
During a search of the properties, investigators located prohibited drugs, computers, $30,000 cash, approximately $269,000 worth of varying cryptocurrency and two Porsche SUVs.
These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at the Bondi Junction apartment and taken to Waverley Police Station, where he was charged with 31 offences including supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and 16 counts of supply prohibited drug >indictable &
Police will allege in court that the man had received cryptocurrency in exchange for prohibited drugs on thousands of occasions since 2017.
The Vaucluse man was refused bail to appear at Waverley Local Court today (Friday 19 May 2023).
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Cesta investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or . Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
