Detectives charge man in connection with state-wide drug supply network, NSW

Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged a man, seized more than $50,000 cash and four vehicles, as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged state-wide drug supply network operating across Sydney’s south west and the state’s Central West.

In February 2019, detectives attached to Western Region established Strike Force Pinnacle to investigate an ongoing large-scale drug supply network operating from Wellington, NSW.

Early inquiries revealed the syndicate was allegedly sourcing prohibited drugs – mainly methylamphetamine (ice), but also MDMA and heroin – from Sydney, and distributing them to regional towns across NSW.

Subsequently, in January 2020, detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Laverick to investigate the syndicate’s links in Sydney.

So far during the investigation, a total of 56 people have been charged by strike force detectives.

As part of ongoing inquiries, police received information relating to an armed robbery at a home at Yagoona in May, during which another man was pistol-whipped in the face and $30,000 cash stolen.

The firearm was later recovered by police.

Following further extensive investigations, Drug and Firearms Squad detectives, with assistance from South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (RES), arrested a 24-year-old man at Worth Street, Chullora, just after 3pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 November 2020).

During a subsequent search of the man and his belongings, police seized $9,965 cash.

A short time later, Strike Force Laverick detectives executed three search warrants at properties at Greenacre and Bankstown.

During the searches, officers seized a further $43,580 cash, 16g of cocaine and electronic devices.

Investigators also seized four vehicles from the home – a Mazda CX5, Mazda 3 sedan and two Toyota Corollas – which will be subject to further examination.

The Greenacre man was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with five counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), four counts of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime and robbery armed with offensive weapon.

Police will allege in court the man was involved in the large-scale supply of methylamphetamine (ice) across NSW and an armed robbery at Yagoona earlier this year.

He was refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court today (Wednesday 4 November 2020).

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information about the supply of prohibited drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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