Two more charged as part of ongoing investigation into cocaine seizure, NSW

Detectives have charged a further two men as part of an ongoing joint investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs which has so far seen the seizure of more than 420kg of cocaine.

Last year, the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, together with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the NSW Crime Commission, established Strike Force Irwine to investigate the supply of cocaine across NSW.

Last month, detectives seized more than 200kg of cocaine and charged four men – aged 18, 21, 24 and 39 – and a 39-year-old woman in relation to the investigation. All five remain before the courts.

Following further investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 27-year-old man at a construction site at Thirlmere about 10am yesterday (Wednesday 15 April 2020).

A short time later, strike force investigators, with assistance from Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad, executed three search warrants at a home at Yagoona and units at Canterbury and Belmore.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at Yagoona and taken to Bankstown Police Station.

During the searches, officers seized $200,000 cash, 2.5kg of cocaine and 5kg of methylamphetamine (ice) and 5L of methylamphetamine oil.

Police also seized $500,000 worth of jewellery, a stolen motorcycle, electronic storage devices and steroids.

Investigators also uncovered chemicals and equipment used for the extraction and manufacture of prohibited drugs at the Yagoona home, which were examined before being dismantled by the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team.

All items seized during the investigation will undergo forensic testing.

The combined estimated potential street value of the prohibited drugs seized during yesterday’s search warrants is $3.75 million.

The 27-year-old Canterbury man was taken to Narellan Police Station and charged with conspiracy to commit offence take part supply prohibited drugs (large commercial quantity) and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

It will be alleged in court that the man was involved in a criminal group and conspired to take part in the large commercial supply of cocaine across Sydney.

He was refused bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court today (Thursday 16 April 2020).

The Yagoona man was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity).

Police will allege in court that the man was involved in the commercial supply of cocaine and methylamphetamine (ice).

He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.

So far during the investigation, Strike Force Irwine detectives have seized more than 420kg of cocaine, which has an estimated potential street value of nearly $130 million.

Inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Irwine investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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