Two men have been charged following an investigation led by the Organised Crime Squad into alleged money laundering and drug supply offenses.
Strike Force Pipar was established in February 2023 by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad with assistance from the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC) and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
Following extensive inquiries, just after 8am on Friday 21 July 2023, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad North detectives – executed a search warrant at an address in Point Frederick on the Central Coast.
During the search, officers located approximately 6.5kg of Methlamphetamine crystals in the re-crystalline process, as well as equipment consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs such as solvents and vacuum sealers.
Officers attached to the Drug & Firearms Squad Chemical Operations Unit and The Technical Forensic Support Unit were notified and attended to assist in processing the scene.
Later that morning, detectives – with assistance from the Public Order & Riot Squad – executed two search warrants at addresses in Riverwood and West Pennant Hills.
At the Riverwood address, detectives arrested a 46-year-old man and seized a number of items relevant to their investigation, including luxury watches, money counters, a taser, approximately 100kg of cannabis and electronics.
At the West Pennant Hills address, detectives arrested a 44-year-old man.
The 46-year-old was taken to Campsie Police Station and the 44-year-old was taken to Castle Hill Police Station, where they were both charged with manufacture prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and posses prohibited drug.
They were refused and appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday (21 July 2023), where were formally refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 21 September 2023.
Police will allege in court the 46-year-old flew from Manila to Melbourne and was picked up by the 44-year-old to travel to NSW, where they planned to process a large shipment of heroin concealed in batteries.
It will be further alleged the men were high ranking members of the ‘Chinese Simon’ organised crime syndicate.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of the Organised Crime Squad, said State Crime Command will continue to target transnational organised crime; one of the Commissioner’s priorities.
“We are always monitoring alleged international organised criminals and their movements across the Australian border, with both concealed illegal drugs and intent to carry out illegal activities that have a serious impact on our state,” Det Supt Faux said.
“This is a good result thanks to a multi-faceted approached by offices from the Organised Crime Squad, the Drug & Firearms Squad, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.”
