Detectives investigating the supply of prohibited drugs have charged five people and prevented more than 200kg of cocaine from hitting the streets of NSW.
Last year, the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, together with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the NSW Crime Commission, established Strike Force Irwine to investigate the supply of cocaine across NSW.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives stopped a vehicle on James Street, Leichhardt, just before 4pm yesterday (Monday 30 March 2020), and arrested a 39-year-old man.
Two men – aged 21 and 18 – were also arrested following a separate vehicle stop at Leichhardt a short time later.
During subsequent searches of the vehicles, officers seized 1.1kg of prohibited drugs, believed to be cocaine.
All three men were taken to Newtown Police Station, where they were each charged with supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity).
The men were refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.
Following further inquiries, Strike Force Irwine investigators, with assistance from Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad, executed a search warrant at home at Fairfield West, about 5.30pm.
During the search, officers seized 209 packages, containing more than 200kg of cocaine, and about $200,000 cash.
Police also seized a further 5kg of cocaine and an amount of MDMA.
The total estimated potential street value of the drugs seized during the operation is almost $65 million.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Fairfield Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court that the man was involved in the large-scale supply of cocaine across Sydney.
He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today.
About 10pm, officers arrested a 39-year-old woman following the execution of a second search warrant at a unit on Clarence Street, Sydney.
During the search, police seized a firearm, ammunition, steroids and prohibited drugs believed to be cocaine.
All items seized during the investigation will undergo forensic testing.
The woman was taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with possess unauthorised pistol and four counts of possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority.
She was also refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.
Investigations under Strike Force Irwine are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Irwine investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
