– TF Magnus briefing –
– Thursday & Saturday FPOs –
– Monday’s FPOs –
Three men have been charged during a series of proactive compliance checks and taskings across Sydney during the first five days of activity under Task Force Magnus.
Task Force Magnus is led by State Crime Command (SCC) to target and disrupt gun-related and violent crime, and to investigate links between the recent spate of shootings.
Between Thursday 27 July 2023 and Monday 31 July 2023, task force detectives executed a total of six Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance checks across Sydney’s south-west, whilst additional task force offices began their proactive taskings and patrols.
Incidents of note include –
– During early morning raids on Saturday 29 July 2023, task force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed an FPO compliance check at an address in Granville, where police located and seized prohibited drugs believed to be cannabis and GHB. A 27-year-old man was issued a court attendance notice for two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 13 September 2023.
– Later that morning, police executed a second FPO compliance check in Merrylands, where police found and seized two resealable bags believed to contain cannabis. A 21-year-old man was arrested and taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged with possessing a prohibited drug and breach of bail. The man was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court the same day, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court yesterday (Monday 31 July 2023).
– About 1pm yesterday, task force detectives – with assistance from both Raptor Squad and PolAir – executed three additional FPO compliance checks at addresses in Merrylands, Guildford West and Carramar, where no further police action was required.
– A short time later, officers attached to Raptor Squad Traffic and Highway Patrol stopped a grey BMW – believed stolen – on Pitt Street in Merrylands. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police located and seized numerous NSW drivers’ licenses, bank cards, and a small amount of methylamphetamine. Officers also seized the allegedly stolen vehicle. The driver, a 27-year-old man, was arrested after allegedly returning a positive roadside drug test. He was taken to Granville Police Station, where he was issued a court attendance notice for drive with license expired 2 years of more, to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2023.
– That same afternoon, task force officers stopped a car allegedly doing burnouts and driving erratically on Military Road in Guildford. The driver, a 26-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and prolong, sustain etc loss of traction. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 1 August 2023).
Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein, Commander of Task Force Magnus, said specialist police are preparing for more proactive taskings in the days and weeks ahead.
“We’re just getting started, and these arrests are simply the tip of the iceberg,” Det Chief Supt Weinstein said.
“Over the coming days, weeks, and months ahead – anyone who associates with organised criminals can expect a knock on the door and to be dealt with accordingly if they’re found to be doing the wrong thing.
“Task Force Magnus isn’t just about investigating the links between recent violent attacks but it’s about taking a proactive approach to hinder any potential future activity, and ultimately restoring a sense of safety in the community.
“We have a way to go under the new task force, but as we begin our first week working together under the same roof as one operation, I am confident we can inflict serious damage on the criminal networks fuelling gun violence across our city.”
Anyone with information that may assist 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.
