Detectives have charged 33 people and seized more than $10 million worth of drugs during a covert Task Force established to target Organised Crime Networks hailing from Asia.
Task Force Lupin was established in July 2024 by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad, made up of 39 detectives from various State Crime Command Squads, South West Metropolitan Region and the NSW Crime Commission to address an escalating conflict in Sydney's south-west linked to Organised Crime Networks (OCNs) from Asia.
Investigators identified the OCNs were allegedly responsible for carrying out various violent crimes such as home invasions, kidnappings and firebombings motivated by the desire to control the supply and manufacture of prohibited drugs in the region.
Over the course of the Task Force detectives have charged 33 people, executed over 35 search warrants, and identified three methylamphetamine clandestine laboratories in Canley Vale, Fairfield and Mollyan.
In total, police seized over $10 million worth of prohibited drugs, almost $600,000 in cash, seven firearms, and over 20 Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Devices (DECCDs).
The operation took a multi-faceted approach to both investigate the violent crime and prevent it from continuing. As such, police also completed 135 proactive taskings, such as compliance checks and vehicle stops, designed to disrupt the continued criminality of the OCN.
Shootings and home invasions at Guildford West and Carnes Hill:
About 9.20pm on Monday 3 June 2024, officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command were called to Charles Street in Guildford West following reports of shots fired into a home.
There were no reports of injuries.
About 12.45am on Tuesday 11 June 2024, officers attached to Liverpool Police Area Command were called to Mary Wade Place in Carnes Hill following reports a man had been shot.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 25-year-old man for a gunshot wound to his right leg, before he was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Police were told up to eight men wearing face coverings allegedly forced entry into the house before shooting the occupant and pouring petrol through the home.
Before the men fled, one of the men allegedly fired a shotgun round into one of the victim's vehicle parked on the driveway.
The matter was initially investigated by State Crime Command's Robbery & Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Valerie, before it was established the offenders were also targets of Task Force Lupin.
About 12pm on Thursday 1 August 2024, task force investigators arrested a 25-year-old man Olympic Parade in Bankstown. He was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with 11 offences relating to both incidents.
Four other men have also been charged and remain before the courts.
Clan lab and firearm found at Canley Vale:
During the investigation, task force detectives identified an address on Willowbank Crescent in Canley Vale that was allegedly being used as a clandestine laboratory.
About 6.30pm on Thursday 24 October 2024, police observed a 23-year-old man leaving the property.
The man's vehicle was stopped on Picton Road at Mount Ousley a short time later and the man was taken to Wollongong Police Station.
He was charged with supply prohibited drug >= commercial quantity, refused bail and appeared at Wollongong Local Court on Friday 25 October 2024.
A short time later, detectives executed a search warrant at the Canley Vale address, where police located the clandestine laboratory allegedly set up for methylamphetamine production.
Assistance was sought from Drug and Firearms Squad Chemical Operations Unit, Technical and Forensic Support Unit, and NSW Fire & Rescue HAZMAT team to dismantle the lab.
On Wednesday 30 October 2024, detectives returned to the property and located a firearm, magazine and ammunition hidden in a downlight void.
Following extensive inquiries, about 6.50am yesterday (Thursday 19 December 2024), detectives – with assistance with South West Metropolitan Region, the Public Order & Riot Squad and the Dog Squad – executed a search warrant in Liverpool.
At the address, detectives arrested a 37-year-old man. He was taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with 19 offences relating to the supply of commercial quantities of drugs and firearm possession.
He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court the same day.
Police will allege in court the 37-year-old man was one of the major players responsible for drug supply within the syndicate.
Firearm found at Green Valley:
About 9.40am yesterday, task force detectives executed a search warrant at Green Valley where they located a firearm.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and possess unauthorised firearm.
The man was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Friday 20 December 2024).
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of the Organised Crime Squad, said the task force has been working tirelessly and covertly for over six months to achieve these results.
"Our covert task force's efforts have culminated in a major breakthrough against organised crime hailing from Asia in south-west Sydney, with over 30 arrests made," Det Supt Faux said.
"These were dangerous criminals capable of violent crime and the message today is simple: there is no place for this sort of violence on our streets.
"The success of this Task Force is a direct result of meticulous planning, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of justice by our officers. We are proud to say we have struck a significant blow to organised crime in the south-west Sydney region."
Task Force Lupin continues.
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.
