Transnational Organised Crime Network Disrupted in New South Wales

Strategic Insights -

A major operation led by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad has resulted in the arrest of three men and the seizure of significant amounts of prohibited drugs and firearms. The operation, part of Strike Force Barberton, uncovered a transnational organised crime network suspected of coordinating the supply of prohibited drugs across New South Wales. The investigation, assisted by Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed five search warrants in Mays Hill, Bankstown, Campsie, and Bonnyrigg Heights, yielding substantial evidence of the network's activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three men, aged 26 and 19, were arrested during the operation, with two taken to Granville Police Station and charged with supply and participating in a criminal group.
  • A third man, also aged 26, was arrested in Bonnyrigg Heights and charged with supply and dealing with property proceeds of crime, with conditional bail granted.
  • Police seized 415kg of prohibited drugs, including 287kg of methylamphetamine, 47kg of cocaine, 81kg of heroin, and 838g of MDMA, with a combined street value of $260 million.
  • Additional seizures included three pistol firearms, over 300 rounds of ammunition, $450,000 in cash, and a ballistic vest.
  • A transnational organised crime network, believed to be coordinated from South-East Asia, is suspected of being responsible for the prohibited drug supply.

Statistics:

  • 415kg of prohibited drugs seized, with a combined street value of $260 million.
  • $450,000 in cash seized.
  • 3 pistol firearms seized, along with over 300 rounds of ammunition.
  • 2 men arrested, with a third man granted conditional bail.
  • 4 addresses searched, including Mays Hill, Bankstown, Campsie, and Bonnyrigg Heights.

Sources:

  • State of New South Wales (NSW Police Force). For current information go to https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
  • https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au