A man will face court today charged after Raptor Squad detectives seized two firearms, illicit drugs, and $90,000 cash from a house in Sydney’s south-west.
Last month, South West Metropolitan (SWM) Region initiated Strike Force Hawk, a high-visibility operation which deploys various strategies to prevent and disrupt serious and organised crime within the community.
The operation is being run in conjunction with the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad, which has been proactively targeting more than 300 identified members and associates of these criminal networks.
As part of ongoing inquiries, Raptor Squad detectives, with support from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), conducted Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches at homes at Bankstown and Stanhope Gardens about 6am yesterday (Wednesday 24 November 2021).
During the search at Bankstown, officers located illicit drugs and various items consistent with drug supply and established a crime scene.
A crime scene warrant was applied for and executed, during which police seized two revolvers, ammunition, $87,960 cash, 440 grams of methylamphetamine (ice), numerous mobile phones, cannabis, cocaine and other items consistent with the supply of prohibited drugs.
All items will undergo further forensic examination and the firearms will be subject to ballistic examinations.
A 23-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with seventeen offences, including drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug more than commercial quantity, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, and possess ammunition without holding licence, permit, or authority.
He was refused bail and to face Bankstown Local Court later today (Thursday 25 November 2021).
Inquiries and operations are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Hawk 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.
