Four charged and “Dial-a-Dealer” syndicate dismantled, NSW

Four men have been charged, after $600,000 worth of cocaine seized and an alleged “Dial-a-Dealer” syndicate dismantled following an investigation by detectives from Redfern Region Enforcement Squad (RES) into the supply of illicit drugs.

In September 2017, detectives from Redfern RES established Strike Force Northrop to investigate and target the ongoing supply of cocaine within the Central Metropolitan Region.

In May 2019, strike force detectives arrested and charged 55 people during a targeted proactive operation into “Dial-a-Dealer” services operating throughout Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs.

During the operation, officers received information about the activities of a sophisticated organised criminal network involved in facilitating and directing the supply of prohibited drugs through a “Dial-a-Dealer” service.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operation ODIN and the Dog Unit, executed seven search warrants at homes in Bankstown, Croydon Park, Yagoona, Potts Hill and Condell Park earlier today (Monday 4 November 2019).

During the operation, officers seized close to 1.6kg cocaine, which has an estimated potential street value of $600,000.

Police also seized more than $40,000 cash, mobile phones, ammunition, firearm parts, documentation and equipment used in the supply of prohibited drugs.

Four men – two aged 28 and two aged 29 – were arrested during the operation and taken to Bankstown Police Station.

A 28-year-old Bankstown man was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group, take part supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug more than indictable quantity, two counts of found on/entering/leaving drug premises, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, and acquire prohibited firearm part no authority to do so.

A 29-year-old Condell Park man was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of take part supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity, two counts of found on/entering/leaving drug premises, supply prohibited drug more than indictable quantity, possess ammunition w/o holding licence/permit, and deal with property proceeds of crime.

A 28-year-old Yagoona man was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group, two counts of take part supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity, and two counts of found on/entering/leaving drug premises.

A 29-year-old Potts Hills man was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group, take part supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity, and found on/entering/leaving drug premises.

It will be alleged in court that between July and November 2019, the syndicate supplied more than 1.6kg of cocaine across Sydney, which has an estimated potential street value of more than $600,000.

All four men were refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 5 November 2019).

Redfern Region Enforcement Squad Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell, said the arrests were made possible through diligent policing and with assistance from the public.

“Our officers have today seized over half a million dollars’ worth of cocaine, which we believe was due to be supplied to punters heading to racing carnival celebrations,” Det Ch Insp Bell said.

“Strike Force Northrop is an ongoing investigation and our detectives have been working tirelessly this year to put an end to several ‘Dial-a-Dealer’ services and we are extremely satisfied with today’s results.

“This syndicate was very sophisticated and was responsible for the supply and distribution of cocaine across Sydney – profiting from illegal activities and knowingly putting others’ lives and livelihoods at risk.

“With the festive season approaching, we know there will be more people in the community trying to supply and purchase prohibited drugs.

“It was with assistance from the public that we were able to make today’s arrests and we encourage anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers immediately,” Det Ch Insp bell said.

Investigations under Strike Force Northrop are continuing.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Northrop detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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