Two men have been charged over the alleged supply of illicit drugs in the Lake Illawarra region.
In May 2020, officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District established Strike Force Mote to investigate organised crime in the Illawarra region, with the assistance of the State Crime Command and the NSW Crime Commission.
Since investigations began, 13 people have been arrested and charged and remain before the courts.
On Monday (14 February 2022), police executed a search warrant at a storage shed on Shellharbour Road, Warrawong and seized a shoulder bag containing more than $72,700 cash.
Following further inquiries, police arrested two men – aged 32 and 24 – after a vehicle stop in Winnima Way, Berkeley, about 11.45am yesterday (Tuesday 15 February 2022).
Three search warrants were then executed at homes in Bent Street, Warrawong, and Denniss Street and Winnima Way, Berkeley.
During the searches, police seized almost $7,000 cash, as well as almost 70g of a substance believed to cocaine. The substance will undergo forensic analysis.
The men were taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where they were charged with:
- Supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity – serious indictable offence);
- Supply prohibited drug (>indictable &
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime – serious indictable offence
Both were refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 17 February 2022)
Investigations under Strike Force Mote continue.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Mote investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
