NSW police charge two after Strike Force Raptor seize more than $1.3 million cash

Two men will appear in court today charged after the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor seized more than $1.3 million cash across Sydney yesterday.

As part of ongoing targeting of the illicit activities of criminal networks, Strike Force Raptor stopped a Toyota Yaris on Meredith Avenue, Rhodes, just after 1.30pm yesterday (Thursday 31 October 2019).

The driver, a 36-year-old man, was spoken to before police searched the vehicle and located $1 million cash in a bag in the boot.

Shortly after the arrest, a search warrant was executed at a unit on Mill Park Street, Rhodes, where police seized a further $200,000 cash, electronic storage devices and documents.

The Rhodes man was taken to Burwood Police Station and charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and deal in proceeds of crime, money/property (more than $1 million).

He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Friday 1 November 2019).

Following further inquiries, Strike Force Raptor stopped a Honda Accord on Richmond Road, Windsor, about 6pm the same day, and spoke to the 24-year-old driver.

During a search of the vehicle, police located $158,000 cash in a secreted compartment and 3.8g of cocaine.

The driver was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and possess prohibited drug.

The Blacktown man was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today.

Investigations are continuing.

Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

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