Husband and wife charged as part of investigation into illegal firearms and drug manufacture, NSW

A husband and wife were among three people arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of illegal firearms across Sydney.

In May 2020, the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Digil to investigate a criminal syndicate selling illegal firearms across Sydney.

Detectives were assisted by Western Australia Police (WAPOL) during the investigation.

So far, the investigation has seen detectives seize 14 handguns with a street value of $200,000.

As part of ongoing inquiries, investigators received information connecting the same criminal group to a clandestine laboratory that was located by police on Thursday 30 April 2020.

Officers dismantled the lab and seized 1.9 kilograms of methylamphetamine (ice) with an estimated potential street value of $1.9 million.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives assisted by North West Metropolitan Region Operations Support Group (OSG) and the Public Order Riot Squad (PORS), executed three search warrants across Sydney this morning (Thursday 8 April 2021).

About 6am, investigators attended a home at Cherrybrook and arrested a 77-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman who were taken to Ryde Police Station.

The man was charged with 18 firearm and drug related charges including unlawfully selling firearms, taking part in the manufacture of prohibited drug greater than commercial quantity, and knowingly direct a criminal group.

The woman was charged with 45 firearm related offences including unlawfully selling firearms and participating in a criminal group and contribute to criminal activity.

They were both refused bail and will appear in Hornsby Local Court tomorrow (Friday 9 April 2021).

Simultaneously, police attended a home in Guildford West and arrested a 43-year-old man who was taken to Fairfield Police Station.

He was also charged with 45 firearm related offences including unlawfully sell firearms, and supply pistol. He was refused bail and will appear in Fairfield Local Court tomorrow (Friday 9 April 2021).

Search warrants were executed at both properties where detectives seized several items relevant to the investigation.

About 8am, a third search warrant was executed at a business in Double Bay where further relevant items were seized.

Inquiries are ongoing.

/Public Release. View in full here.