PLEASE NOTE: NSWPF-branded images of the items seized are available via Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/kImWyXksBv/
Vision of the press conference will be available later today.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged five men over an alleged kidnapping attempt which led to the discovery of 722kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $1 billion.
About 6.25am yesterday (Monday 18 December 2023), officers attached to State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Ryde Police Area Command attended a unit block on Blaxland Road in Ryde following reports of a break and enter.
Police arrived and found four men in the block's underground carpark sitting in a Toyota Yaris wearing all-black clothing and face coverings.
Detectives searched the males and car, locating items consistent with a kidnapping attempt including a 60cm crowbar, gloves, a meat cleaver, bladed knife, box cutter, flashing light bars and zip ties.
The men – aged 24, 23, 20 and 19 – were arrested and taken to Gladesville and Burwood Police Stations, where they were each charged with five offences:
- Aggravated break & enter etc in company intend steal,
- Armed with intent commit indictable offence,
- Possess housebreaking implements,
- Face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence, and
- Participate criminal group.
Detectives identified the intended victim of the foiled kidnapping and at about 10.45pm executed a search warrant at the associated unit where they located 722kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $1 billion.
The occupant of the unit – a 24-year-old man – attempted to flee from police before he was arrested and taken to Gladesville Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
All five men were refused bail to appear in Burwood Local Court today (Tuesday 19 December 2023)
Police will allege the four men allegedly broke into the unit complex with the intent to rob and kidnap the 24-year-old occupant.
Commander of State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi said the NSWPF have gained the upper hand on organised crime and associated violence across the state.
"This year alone, our detectives have arrested 48 people over alleged kidnapping offences, and through various other operations and strike forces, foiled a number of other violent acts such as public place shootings and homicides," Det Supt Doueihi said.
"State Crime Command have our sights set on – and will continue to target – violent groups who are contracted by Organised Criminal Networks to carry out their dirty work in their pursuit of power and control of the drug market in NSW.
"Quick and effective resolutions like the above should give the public unwavering confidence in our capabilities to stop violent crimes before they occur and put those responsible behind bars before they get a chance to carry out their intended crimes."
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.
