PLEASE NOTE: Vision and stills of the operation are available
Detectives have charged the alleged leaders of an organised cocaine syndicate – and seized loaded firearms, drugs, and cars – during a targeted police operation in Sydney yesterday.
In November 2023 the Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (RES) South commenced Strike Force Northrop 23 to target alleged “dial-a-dealer” syndicates.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed search warrants on properties in Potts Point, Zetland, Ultimo, Pyrmont, Waterloo, and Ryde yesterday (Saturday 6 April 2024).
At the properties police located and seized two loaded Glock pistols, ammunition, over $600,000 cash, two kilos of Cocaine, MDMA, and multiple electronic devices believed to be used in the distribution and supply of cocaine throughout Sydney.
Investigators also seized five vehicles with a total value greater than $600,000.
All items were seized for forensic examination.
Detectives arrested four men:
A 26-year-old man was taken to Gladesville Police Station where he was charged with 32 offences including knowingly direct activities of criminal group, 21 counts of take part supply prohibited drug, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000, two counts of possess ammunition without holding licence or permit or authority, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, two counts of possess unauthorised firearm, supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, deal with proceeds of crime greater than $100,000 and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
A 47-year-old man was taken Day Street Police Station where he was charged with 27 offences including knowingly direct activities of criminal group, 22 counts of take part supply prohibited drug, possess MDMA in another from not exceed small quantity, supply prohibited drug commercial quantity, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000 and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
A 25-year-old man was taken to Mascot Police Station where he was charged with six offences including participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of take part supply prohibited drug, two counts of supply prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime greater than $100,000.
A 26-year-old man was also taken to Mascot Police Station where he was charged with seven offences including participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of take part supply prohibited drug, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000, possess prohibited drug and two counts of supply prohibited drug.
All four men were refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 7 April 2024).
Redfern Region Enforcement Squad Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell, said those arrested are the alleged leaders of the syndicate.
“The first phase of this operation was targeting those who we allege control the syndicate,” Det Ch Insp Bell said.
“We have caused a significant disruption in their operations; however, there are more arrests to come.
“This operation highlights our commitment to combatting illegal drug supply and we will continue to target those involved, from the top tiers down to street-level distributors.”
Investigations by Strike Force Northrop continue.
