NSW Police Force investigators have executed 33 search warrants, arrested 35 people and seized 27 firearms, more than $800,000 cash, luxury vehicles worth $1.5 million and significant quantities of prohibited drugs during the state-based arm of Operation Ironside.
In 2018, Operation Ironside was established by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), together with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to investigate serious organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs allegedly responsible for large-scale drug importations, drug manufacture and violent criminal activity.
During the NSW-based two-day operation, NSW Police Force investigators executed more than 33 search warrants at locations including Alexandria, Barangaroo, Breakfast Point, Brighton Le Sands, Denham Court, Enfield, Erskine Park, Glebe, Kareela, Lidcombe, Lindfield, Macquarie Park, Malabar, Marsden Park, Middleton Grange, Monterey, Mortdale, Mudgee, Randwick, Redfern, Ropes Crossing, Punchbowl, Pyrmont and Vaucluse.
So far during the operation, NSW Police Force officers seized 27 firearms – including two Glock pistols and a 50-calibre sniper rifle – as well as $1.5 million worth of luxury vehicles – including a Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Bentley.
Officers also seized $800,000 cash and significant quantities of prohibited drugs – including cocaine, ice, MDMA, cannabis, pseudoephedrine and other precursors, and various prescription drugs.
So far during the operation, NSW Police Force investigators have arrested and charged 35 people.
Significant events include;
- About 6am yesterday (Monday 7 June 2021), detectives from the Criminal Groups Squad, with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit, executed a search warrant at a unit at Vaucluse. During the search, officers seized encrypted devices, Rolex watches valued at more than $400,000, a Lamborghini and designer clothing. A 35-year-old man – who is a Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) associate – was arrested and taken to Waverley Police Station. He was charged with two counts of publish false misleading material to obtain advantage, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. He appeared at Waverley Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Friday 18 June 2021.
- Just before 6am yesterday (Monday 7 June 2021), detectives from the Organised Crime Squad, with assistance from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and Dog Unit, executed three search warrants at homes at Denham Court and Middleton Grange. During the searches, officers seized $520,000 cash, two Glock pistols, ammunition and electronic devices. Detectives also seized 8.5kg of cocaine and 6kg of lidocaine, with a combined estimated potential street value of nearly $3 million. A 37-year-old man was arrested at Middleton Grange and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with 11 offences including; supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), possess unauthorised pistol, possess unregistered firearm (x2), possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, two counts of use/supply/acquire or possess defaced firearm, knowingly direct activities of criminal group, and two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Tuesday 8 June 2021). A 36-year-old man was arrested at Denham Court and taken to Campbelltown Police Station and charged with 10 offences including; two counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), possess prohibited plant, five counts of supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on Monday 28 June 2021.
- About 8am yesterday, detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad, with assistance from the Central Metropolitan Region Operations Support Group, executed three search warrants at Redfern, Enfield and Glebe. During the searches, officers seized more than 300 exhibits, including more than $33,000 cash, electronic devices and documentation. A 36-year-old Redfern man was charged with two counts of conspire commit offence under Division 2, accessory before the fact supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), accessory before the fact supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), accessory before the fact (possess commercial quantity unlawful import (border controlled drug), dishonestly obtain property by deception and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity. A 40-year-old Enfield woman was charged with supply prohibited drug (indictable offence), participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and two counts of conspire commit offence under Division 2. A 47-year-old Glebe woman was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and conspire commit offence under Division 2 and possess prohibited drug. All three are due to appear at Newtown Local Court today (Tuesday 8 June 2021).
- Just after 7am today (Tuesday 8 June 2021), detectives from the Drug and Firearm Squad, with the assistance from officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District, executed two searches at properties in Mudgee. During the searches, detectives seized 20 firearms – including a 50-calibre military style gun – nearly $12,000 cash, ammunition, electronic devices and cannabis. A 35-year-old man was arrested and taken to Mudgee Police Station as inquiries are continuing.
Inquiries by the NSW Police Force are continuing and further activity, together with national and international law enforcement agencies, is expected to occur.
