More than $1 billion in illicit drugs have been destroyed, as police continue their crackdown on organised crime in NSW.
As a result of several investigations undertaken by the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad between 2020 and 2021, which have proceeded through the courts system, approximately 1.5 tonnes of prohibited drugs – including more than 400kg of methylamphetamine and more than 500kg of cocaine – were being stored as part of the NSW Police Force’s drug storage and destruction procedures.
As part of this process, Organised Crime Squad officers – assisted by Traffic & Highway Patrol officers, Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad, Tactical Operations Unit and PolAir – conducted an operation to transport the prohibited drugs to be destroyed yesterday (Wednesday 22 June 2022).
Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow said these drugs were bound for NSW streets, due to cause significant harm to thousands of people.
“These illicit substances were seized as part of joint investigations, alongside the Australian Federal Police, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. This partnership illustrates the commitment of each agency to eradicate these prohibited drugs from our communities.
“The burning of the seized substances is conducted within a furnace, bringing to an end the potential damage these drugs could do in NSW and further abroad.
“Organised crime detectives will continue to work with our partner law enforcement agencies and our State Crime Command units to eliminate the organised drug trade and make our state a safer place,” Det Supt Critchlow said.
Anyone with information that may Organised Crime investigators 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.
