Drug & Firearms Squad detectives have charged three men for alleged prohibited drug supply under Strike Force Verbena.
Strike Force Verbena is a joint investigation established by State Crime Command's Drug & Firearms Squad and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), to investigate the alleged prohibited supply of drugs by a 47-year-old man and his associates.
Following extensive inquiries, about 11.40am yesterday (Wednesday 15 May 2024), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – arrested a 24-year-old man in Chester Hill.
During a search of the man's car, police located and seized 1kg of MDMA, 56 grams of cocaine and approximately $50,000 in cash.
He was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with 12 offences, including supply unregistered firearm-pistol, participate in a criminal group, five counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and five offences related to commercial drug supply.
The man was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today (Thursday 16 May 2024).
Simultaneously, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – stopped a vehicle on Alfred Street in Ramsgate where they arrested a 47-year-old man.
During a subsequent search warrant at a home in Sans Souci – with assistance from Marine Area Command and the AFP – police located and seized electronics, prohibited drugs, and other items relevant to their investigation.
In addition to the items seized, the NSWCC froze approximately $10,000,000 in assets linked to the 47-year-old.
The man was taken to Kogarah Police Station, where he was charged with 10 offences, including knowingly direct activities of a criminal group, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, supply unregistered firearm-pistol and seven offences relating to commercial drug supply.
He was refused bail to appear before Sutherland Local Court today.
About 1.20pm, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – arrested a 25-year-old man at a park on Alfred Road in Brookvale.
During a subsequent search warrant at an apartment in Bexley, police located and seized a DECCD and other items relevant to their investigation.
He was taken to Manly Police Station, where he was charged with take part supply prohibited drug greater than large commercial quantity, take part supply prohibited drug (greater than indictable & less than commercial quantity), and participate in a criminal group.
The man was refused bail to appear before Manly Local Court today.
Inquiries under Strike Force Verbena continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
