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Three people have been charged as investigations continue into criminal groups involved in the supply of illicit drugs throughout Sydney’s south-west.

In July this year, detectives from Fairfield City Police Area Command established Strike Force Buriga to investigate criminal networks operating in the local area.

As part of their inquiries, strike force detectives identified a group suspected to be involved in the ongoing supply of heroin and methylamphetamine (ice).

Following extensive investigations, Strike Force Buriga officers, assisted by South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad, executed five search warrants at homes at Ashcroft, Cabramatta, and Canley Heights, from 7am yesterday (Thursday 7 November 2019).

During the searches, police seized 90g of heroin, 5g of ice, small amounts of GHB and cannabis, drug paraphernalia, a gel-blaster handgun, two silencers, ammunition, and three vehicles – a Lexus ISF, a Suzuki D-Max, and a Volkswagen Tiguan.

Investigators also seized more than $220,000 cash, including more than $155,000, which was located in a backpack in a child’s bedroom in one of the Cabramatta properties.

While at a different Cabramatta home, it’s alleged that a female resident attempted to remove heroin from the location by concealing it in a book and giving it to a 15-year-old girl, who had been allowed to leave the home to go to school.

The heroin has an estimated potential street value of more than $45,000.

Two men – aged 40 and 43 – and a 40-year-old woman were arrested during the operation and taken to Fairfield Police Station.

The 40-year-old Ashcroft man was charged with knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime, knowingly derive material benefit from criminal group, supply prohibited drug, two counts of possess prohibited drug, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

Police will allege in court that the man was directing the activities of the group and supplying heroin and ice to others for on-supply.

He has been refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court later today (Friday 8 November 2019).

The 43-year-old Canley Heights man was charged with two counts of take part in commercial supply of prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, two counts of supply prohibited drug, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

He has been refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court later today (Friday 8 November 2019).

The woman was charged with hinder police investigation.

She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 20 November 2019.

Investigations under Strike Force Buriga are continuing.

Anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs in the local area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or . Information is treated in strict confidence.