Three people have been charged after the Organised Crime Squad seized more than $200,000 cash, 1kg of methylamphetamine, and uncovered a hydroponic house in Sydney’s south west.
Earlier this year, detectives from the State Crime Command Organised Crime Squad and officers from the NSW Crime Commission established Strike Force Salzburger to investigate an international money-laundering syndicate believed to be operating in NSW.
As a result of inquiries, strike force investigators stopped a vehicle on Park Road, Marrickville, and spoke to the driver – a 59-year-old man – about 3pm last Wednesday (17 July 2019).
During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly found $50,000 cash.
A short time later, a 30-year-old woman was arrested on Park Road, with police seizing a mobile phone.
Two search warrants were subsequently executed at homes in Petersham and Heckenberg.
During the searches, investigators seized approximately $160,000 cash, 1kg of methylamphetamine, money counters, financial ledgers, documentation, electronic devices, and mobile phones.
The 59-year-old man was charged with supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail and appeared at Newtown Local Court on Thursday 18 July 2019 and formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 8 August 2019.
The 30-year-old woman was charged with recklessly deal in the proceeds of crime (greater than $5000).
She was granted conditional bail to appear at Newtown Local Court on Thursday 8 August 2019.
Following further inquiries, detectives received information about the cultivation of cannabis.
As part of their inquiries, detectives arrested a 54-year-old man at Heckenberg about 9.45am yesterday (Wednesday 24 July 2019).
Shortly after the arrest, three search warrants were executed at homes at Heckenberg, Villawood and Cabramatta.
During the searches, police located an extensive hydroponic set-up inside the Heckenberg house and seized 168 cannabis plants.
Police also seized two firearms – a sawn-off rifle and pen gun – and more than $8,000 cash at the Villawood home along with 3.5kg of cannabis, a large quantity of hydroponic equipment and more than $13,000 cash was at the Cabramatta home.
The 54-year-old man was charged with enhanced indoor cultivation plant for commercial purpose.
He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Thursday 25 July 2019).
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Salzburger investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or . Information is treated in strict confidence.
