Drug charges and COVID infringements after CBD patrols, NSW

Police have charged two men with drug supply offences following proactive patrols in Sydney’s CBD.

About 3.30pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling Haymarket when they spoke with a man on Thomas Lane.

Police searched the man and found a plastic bag allegedly containing methylamphetamine, a fake soft drink can with a concealed compartment also containing methylamphetamine, two mobile phones, more than $350 cash and jewellery.

The 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug, and possess prohibited drug

As the man could not provide police with a reasonable excuse for being away from his Burwood home, he was also charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

He was refused bail to appear Parramatta Local Court via audio visual link on Friday 10 April 2020.

In a separate incident about 7.45pm, police saw a man on his mobile phone while driving along Harris Street in Ultimo.

Officers spoke to the driver and sole occupant of the Toyota Corolla, a man aged 23.

Police located nine small bags of cocaine on the ground, that had allegedly been concealed in the man’s shorts. Upon searching the Toyota, police also located a wallet and $250 cash allegedly hidden in two locations inside the car.

The man was also taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug (indictable), deal with proceeds of crime, and use mobile phone whilst driving. He was also given a warning for breach of the Health Minister’s Direction.

The Belmore man was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 1 July 2020.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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