Two men will face court today following an investigation into the activities of a criminal group operating in Sydney’s west.
In February, detectives from the Criminal Groups Squad established Strike Force Payta to investigate the large-scale supply of prohibited drugs in across Sydney.
As part of their inquiries, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at an apartment at Macquarie Park on Wednesday 24 July 2019, where they located almost 500g of cocaine in a washing machine.
Following further investigations, a 41-year-old man was arrested during a vehicle stop on Mooltan Avenue, Macquarie Park, just after 10am yesterday (Thursday 15 August 2019).
Shortly after the arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at a nearby apartment, where they seized $186,500 cash, cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, and various items consistent with drug supply.
The Eastwood man was taken to Eastwood Police Station and charged with large commercial drug supply and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Friday 16 August 2019).
Following further inquiries, strike force investigators, assisted by the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed search warrants at Eastwood and North Kellyville.
During the searches, police seized a further $115,700 cash, cocaine, an extendable baton, knuckle dusters, various electronic devices and electronic storage devices, a CCTV hard drive, mobile phones, documentation, and luxury watches.
A 30-year-old man was arrested as he arrived at the North Kellyville home about 4pm.
He was taken to Castle Hill Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The man was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Friday 16 August 2019).
Investigations under Strike Force Payta are continuing.
Anyone with information in relation to the importation and 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.
