A fifth man has been charged by Organised Crime Squad detectives investigating an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the supply of illicit drugs in the state’s Central West.
In April 2021, detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, together with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), established Strike Force Grighton to investigate a criminal syndicate suspected to be involved in the supply of prohibited drugs between Sydney and the Central West.
The investigation has been assisted by officers attached to Dubbo Region Enforcement Squad and Central West Police District.
Throughout the investigation, detectives seized 34kg of cannabis and other prohibited drugs.
So far, police have charged four men – aged 23, 25, 37 and 38 – over their alleged roles in the incident. All remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a home at Cranebrook just after 6.30am today (Tuesday 31 May 2022).
During a subsequent search, police seized a number of items relevant to the investigation.
Inspectors from the Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission assisted with the operation.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to St Marys Police Station and has since been charged with 10 offences, including four counts of supply prohibited drug, five counts of supply cannabis more than indictable amount, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court the man supplied more than 30kg of cannabis and amounts of methylamphetamine and cocaine between May 2021 and February this year.
It is further alleged the man used his position within the greyhound racing industry to transport prohibited drugs between Sydney and the Central West during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Cranebrook man was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today.
