Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a man following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs using the dark web in Sydney's south-west.
Last year, detectives attached to the State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Orielton to investigate an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the supply of prohibited drugs.
During the investigation, detectives identified a significant online drug distribution network operating from Sydney's south-west, allegedly utilising the dark web and postal services for the sale of illicit substances.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 35-year-old man at a home at Moorebank about 8.30am on Thursday (24 February 2022).
During the search, police seized $400,000 cash, electronic devices, designer watches, jewellery, and other items.
Officers also located several packages containing prohibited drugs concealed within jigsaw puzzles, as well as further packages that had been allegedly prepared for distribution.
A short time later, strike force investigators executed a search warrant at a unit at Penshurst, where further packages containing illicit substances were located.
All items seized during the operation will undergo forensic examination.
The Moorebank man was taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with 10 offences, including;
- knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x2)
- supply prohibited drug less than small quantity
- supply prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity
- supply prohibited drug more than indictable quantity
- supply prohibited drug more than small and less than indictable quantity (x4), and,
- supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.
Police will allege in court that the man was operating as an online vendor on the Dark Web and supplying prohibited drugs – including cocaine, methylamphetamine (ice), and other illicit substances.
He was refused bail and appeared at Liverpool Local Court yesterday (Friday 25 February 2022), where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Monday 2 May 2022.
Additionally, strike force detectives executed a further search warrant on a Moorebank premises and several PO Boxes from 10am yesterday, seizing in excess of $500,000 cash and further packages containing illicit substances.
Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, said police are actively targeting those utilising the dark web to anonymously advertise and sell prohibited drugs and other illegal products.
"The sale of illicit drugs on the dark web can be difficult to investigate but by no means impossible; this arrest should send a clear message that your identity can be exposed, and you will be prosecuted," Det A/Supt Arbinja said.
"It will be alleged that this individual used cryptocurrency to facilitate transactions made on the dark web before posting prohibited drugs in the mail – and alarmingly, police located prohibited drugs concealed in games, like jigsaw puzzles.
"Police will continue to target the drug trade at every level of the supply chain – whether purchased on the street, online or elsewhere," Det A/Supt Arbinja said.
Investigations under Strike Force Orielton are ongoing and further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information relating to the illicit activities of criminal networks 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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