Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged a further two people as part of an ongoing investigation into the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs across the state.
In December 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Emerstan to investigate the cultivation and supply of cannabis across the state’s Central West.
Their inquiries uncovered a rural property near Dubbo being used for the cultivation of cannabis.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested eight people and seized cannabis worth nearly $10 million at a property at Ballimore, about 40km east of Dubbo, in April this year.
As part of ongoing investigations, police received information from Victoria Police (VICPOL) relating to a criminal syndicate involved in the manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine (ice) across south west Sydney.
Following further inquiries, detectives executed six search warrants at Kemps Creek, Mount Pritchard, Canley Heights, Lansvale and Canley Vale from 7am yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020).
Investigators were assisted throughout the operation by South West Metropolitan Operation Support Group (OSG), the Dog Unit and the Australian Border Force (ABF) Detection Dog.
During the searches, police seized more than $157,000 cash, more than 570 grams of methylamphetamine (ice) and cannabis.
Officers also seized documentation, chemicals and equipment consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs.
A 31-year-old man was arrested at Mount Pritchard and a 31-year-old woman was arrested at Canley Vale.
They were both taken to Fairfield Police Station, where the man was charged with 24 offences including;
- Knowingly direct activities of criminal group,
- manufacture prohibited drug (large commercial quantity)
- manufacture prohibited drug (x3)
- cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity)
- supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity),
- deal with property proceeds of crime,
- supply prohibited drug,
- possess prohibited drug,
- possess drug manufacture apparatus make prohibited drug (x10)
- possess precursor intent to use in manufacture/production (x3), and
- deal with property proceeds of crime (more than $100,000).
The woman was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, take part manufacture prohibited drug, owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises, knowingly take part cultivate (large commercial quantity prohibited plant), take part supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises and deal with property proceeds of crime (over $100,000).
They were both refused bail to appear before Liverpool Local Court today (Friday 28 August 2020).
Investigations by the Drug and Firearms Squad are continuing.
Anyone with information about the manufacture 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.
