NSW Police have charged three people after seizing cocaine valued at nearly $128,000, as part of ongoing investigations into the supply of cocaine through ‘Dial-a-Dealer’ criminal syndicates operating across Sydney.
In September 2017, detectives attached to the Central Metropolitan South Region Enforcement Squad (RES), established Strike Force Northrop to investigate and target the ongoing supply of cocaine within the Greater Sydney region.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force investigators approached a stationary vehicle at Argyle Street, The Rocks, about 7.30pm on Wednesday (10 November 2021).
When officers spoke to the driver – a 26-year-old Bankstown man – he allegedly accelerated into a parked police vehicle, causing minor damage to both cars.
During his subsequent arrest, the man attempted to swallow a number of small resealable bags.
Five bags – believed to contain cocaine – were recovered and seized, while the man was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital under police guard for treatment.
A short time later, Strike Force Northrop investigators, with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad and Bass Hill RES, executed two search warrants at homes at Bankstown and Greenacre, and a crime scene warrant at a unit at Bankstown.
During the searches, officers seized nearly 430g of cocaine with an estimated potential street value of $127,500.
Police also seized nearly $98,000 cash.
About 8.30pm the same day, strike force investigators arrested a 24-year-old Greenacre man at a shopping centre carpark at Bankstown.
He was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), deal with property proceeds of crime and knowingly direct activities of a criminal group.
The man appeared at Bankstown Local Court yesterday (Thursday 11 November 2021), where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Thursday 20 January 2022.
Following further inquiries, a 23-year-old woman was arrested at a service station at Bexley just before 3pm yesterday (Thursday 11 November 2021).
She was taken to Hurstville Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The Bexley woman was refused bail and is due to appear at Sutherland Local Court today (Friday 12 November 2021).
The older man was subsequently released from hospital yesterday (Thursday 11 November 2021) and taken to Kings Cross Police Station, where he was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), deal with property proceeds of crime, knowingly direct activities of criminal group and knowingly drive vehicle in manner menaces other.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Central Local Court today (Friday 12 November 2021).
Central Metropolitan South Region Enforcement Squad Commander, Detective Acting Inspector Matthew Stratton, said those involved in these syndicates are profiting from illegal activities and knowingly putting other’s lives at risk.
“With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we have once again seen a rise in the number of criminal groups using the ‘Dial-a-Dealer’ methodology to supply cocaine and other prohibited drugs across Sydney,” Det A/Insp Stratton said.
“With Christmas approaching, we want to ensure everyone across the state has a happy and safe holiday season, so the message remains the same – if you are dealing or using drugs, you will be charged and put before the courts.
“Those who continue to flout the law should know that these operations will continue, and any phone numbers found in seized devices will be contacted by police via text as investigations continue,” Det A/Insp Stratton said.
Since its inception in 2017, Strike Force Northrop investigators have seized more than 5kg of cocaine, 490g of MDMA, 1.1kg of cannabis and more than $1.12 million cash.
Investigations under Strike Force Northrop are ongoing.
Anyone with information about the supply of prohibited 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.
