Five men have been arrested following an extensive seven-year investigation into a transnational criminal syndicate involved in the large-scale importation and supply of prohibited drugs.
In December 2013, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, together with the NSW Crime Commission, established Strike Force Millstream to investigate the large-scale supply of prohibited drugs, mainly MDMA and methylamphetamine (ice), in NSW.
During the course of the investigation, detectives uncovered a significant transnational drug importation and money laundering operation, as well as other organised criminal activity.
Strike Force Millstream investigators have previously charged 16 people over their alleged roles in illicit activities.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives applied for arrest warrants for two men, who were known to be living overseas, for commercial drug importation.
The warrants were granted in January this year, before Interpol Red Notices were issued earlier this month.
Last Thursday (11 June 2020), Dubai Police arrested the men – aged 34 and 37 – in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, pursuant to Interpol Red Notices.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad are working with Commonwealth partner agencies to seek the extradition of the men to Australia.
Following further investigations, Strike Force Millstream detectives executed a search warrant at a home at Baulkham Hills and crime scene warrants at two business premises at Badgerys Creek from 7am today (Tuesday 16 June 2020).
A NSW Crime Commission Criminal Assets Recovery Act search warrant was also executed at a business at Altair Place, Jamisontown.
Detectives were assisted throughout the operation by officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad, North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad, the Dog Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators.
A 34-year-old man was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station.
A 36-year-old Erina Heights man was arrested at a hotel at Darling Harbour and taken to Day Street Police Station.
A 57-year-old man was arrested at a home at Baulkham Hills and taken to Castle Hill Police Station.
Investigations are continuing and charges are expected to be laid.
Since the inception of Strike Force Millstream, Organised Crime Squad detectives have had significant assistance from national and international law enforcement agencies including;
- Australian Border Force
- Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
- Australian Federal Police
- Australian Federal Police International Command (Liaison Officers in UAE and United Kingdom)
- Dubai Police
- Hamburg Customs Investigation Office (Germany)
- Interpol (Abdu Dhabi and ACT)
- Northamptonshire Police
- ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Investigation Department (The Netherlands)
- Republic of Moldova; Law Enforcement
- South Australia Police
- Spanish Guardia Civil (Judical Police Unit, Central Operations Unit, Money Laundering Group)
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency
- U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation
The NSW Police Force wish to extend their sincere gratitude to all partners for their ongoing dedication, commitment and assistance to the investigation.
Anyone with information about the importation or supply of prohibited drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or . Information is treated in strict confidence.
