Five people have been charged following an operation targeting drug supply across Sydney’s North Shore yesterday.
Strike Force Punnet was established by officers from North Shore Police Area Command in April to investigate the ongoing supply of methylamphetamine (ice) in the local area.
Following extensive investigations, strike force officers, with the assistance of the North West Metropolitan Operations Support Group, executed three search warrants at properties at Artarmon from just before 9am yesterday (Tuesday 30 June 2020).
During the searches, police seized methylamphetamine (ice), heroin, cannabis, cannabis seeds under cultivation, unknown pills, a black replica pistol, a slingshot, documentation, electronic devices, bank cards, mobile phones, SIM cards, and more than $4000 cash.
Police also located methylamphetamines and cocaine concealed in the case of a set of headphones, and cocaine concealed within a kettle at one of the properties.
The total estimated potential street value of the drugs seized is more than $10,000.
Five people were arrested by Strike Force Punnet investigators during the operation.
A 42-year-old Artarmon man was taken to Chatswood Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, three counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, two counts of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, possess prohibited drug, possess/attempt to prescribed restricted substance, cultivate prohibited plant, deal with property proceeds of crime, and possess unauthorised prohibited firearm.
He was refused bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court today (Wednesday 1 July 2020).
A 63-year-old Artarmon man was arrested at the scene and taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with possess prohibited drug.
He was also refused bail to appear in Hornsby Local Court today.
A 32-year-old Willoughby man was taken to Chatswood Police Station, where he was charged with possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug (indictable), and deal with property proceeds of crime.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday 22 July 2020.
A 27-year-old Naremburn woman was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for two counts of possess prohibited drug. She is due to appear in Hornsby Local Court on Thursday 13 August 2020.
A 60-year-old Artarmon man was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug. He is due to appear in court at a later date.
North Shore Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Jones, Strike Force Punnet is part of a strategic operation in the northern suburbs to dismantle criminal networks involved in the supply of prohibited drugs in our community.
“These reaults are a testament to the Command’s ongoing commitment to making our community safer, particularly by removing ice and heroin off the streets,” Detective Chief Inspector Jones said.
“We will continue to pursue operations that disrupt the supply of prohibited drugs in the community and ensure that anyone taking part in these illegal operations is dealt the full force of the law.”
Inquiries into Strike Force Punnet are continuing.
Anyone with information about drug supply in the community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
