Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged a man after cocaine, cash and other items were seized during a police operation across Sydney yesterday.
Earlier this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, together with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), commenced an investigation under Strike Force Becke into the activities of an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the supply of cocaine across Sydney.
Following extensive investigations, police, with the assistance of PolAir, stopped a tow truck carrying a Nissan X-trail on Pennant Hills Road, Oatlands, about 12.40pm yesterday (Wednesday 3 November 2021).
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, detectives seized 4kg of cocaine – stamped with an Australian Federal Police (AFP) logo – allegedly concealed in the Nissan.
A short time later, a 42-year-old man was arrested in a carpark on Windsor Road, Northmead, and taken to Granville Police Station.
From about 1pm, strike force detectives, with assistance from the Financial Crimes Squad’s Motor Unit, the Dog Unit, Australian Border Force’s Dog Unit, and officers attached to Cumberland, Ku-Ring-Gai and Parramatta Police Area Commands, executed four search warrants at homes at Zetland, Thornleigh, Holroyd, and Northmead.
During the search of the Northmead home, detectives seized a hydraulic press and a metal stamp of the AFP logo, which police will allege was used to brand the seized blocks of cocaine, and a further 1.5kg of cocaine.
In total, the cocaine has an estimated potential street value of $2.2 million.
Police also seized $43,735 in cash, cocaine, electronic devices, documentation, vehicle number plates, ammunition, and various items consistent with illicit drug supply during searches at the other locations.
All items seized will undergo further forensic examination.
The Northmead man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and possess ammunition without holding licence or permit or authority.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court later today (Thursday 4 November 2021).
Inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information relating to the importation or supply of illicit drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
