Arrest Made in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs Drug Dealing Network

Strategic Insights -

A 26-year-old man accused of directing a network of young males to supply prohibited drugs across Sydney's metropolitan area has been arrested in dramatic scenes. Mitchell Hewerdine, 26, was taken into custody at his Double Bay home, where police seized over $20,000 in cash, electronic devices, and other items. He is now facing charges of commercial drug supply, dealing with the proceeds of crime, directing the activities of a criminal group, and failing to comply with a digital evidence order. Two associates, Jayden Stacker, 21, and Isaac Kennedy, 25, are also before the courts on drug supply charges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mitchell Hewerdine, 26, was arrested for allegedly directing a network of young males to supply prohibited drugs across Sydney's metropolitan area.
  • Police seized over $20,000 in cash, electronic devices, and other items from Hewerdine's Double Bay home and two relatives' homes in western Sydney.
  • Hewerdine is facing charges of commercial drug supply, dealing with the proceeds of crime, directing the activities of a criminal group, and failing to comply with a digital evidence order.
  • Two associates, Jayden Stacker and Isaac Kennedy, are also before the courts on drug supply charges.
  • The arrest was made as part of a strike force set up to investigate the supply of drugs, money laundering, and outlaw motorcycle gang connections.

Statistics:

  • Over $20,000 in cash was seized from Hewerdine's home and relatives' homes.
  • Two undercover police officers were involved in the arrest.
  • Hewerdine will appear in court in September.
  • Three search warrants were executed, including one at Hewerdine's home and two at relatives' homes.
  • Electronic devices believed to be dedicated encrypted criminal communication devices (DECCDs) were seized from Hewerdine's home.
  • White powder believed to be cocaine, and a DECCD were seized from a car parked at Hewerdine's home.
  • A pistol concealed in a glove, ammunition, tablets believed to be MDMA, capsicum spray, and electronic devices were discovered at a relative's home.

Sources:

  • NSW Police (no date provided)
  • [Associated Press]