NSW Police have charged 16 people, executed 18 warrants and seized three firearms in sweeping raids across Sydney this morning targeting a high-profile criminal group under Strike Force Wessex.
Strike Force Wessex was established by State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate alleged Organised Criminal Networks (OCNs) involved in drug supply using 'dial-a-dealer' phones.
Earlier this month, strike force detectives shut down 26 alleged drug run phones connected to more than 50,000 customers.
Further inquiries into the OCN running those phones culminated in a 250-officer strong resolution this morning (Wednesday 27 March 2024), which saw 16 people – including the alleged masterminds – arrested across Sydney's south-west.
Strike Force detectives were assisted by officers attached to various squads from across State Crime Command, as well as other specialist resources from the Public Order & Riot Squad, Forensic Evidence & Technical Services Command and State Intelligence Command.
Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said this morning's activities have eliminated what was left of the criminal network in Australia.
"In May 2022, we targeted this group through Strike Force Sugarcane; charging 41 people and forcing many players overseas," Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.
"Today's operation has cleaned up what was left of them on our shores."
Commander of State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad, Detective Superintendent Grant Taylor, conceded the conflict between this criminal group and its rival has been resolved as a result of these arrests.
"The antagonism between this criminal network and its rival came down to drugs and the territorial need to control the drug trade in certain parts of Sydney," Det Supt Taylor said.
"But with those phones now out of play – and a number of those alleged to have had control of those phones behind bars – we anticipate that conflict has been eradicated."
Incidents of note include:
- About 5.40am, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Guildford where they arrested a 30-year-old man. He was taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with 33 offences relating to alleged kidnapping, participating in a criminal group and commercial drug supply. The man was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 28 March 2024).
- Just before 6.10am, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Casula where they arrested a 22-year-old man. He was taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with 27 offences relating to possessing unauthorised firearms, directing a criminal group, and the commercial supply of drugs. The man was refused bail to appear before Liverpool Local Court tomorrow.
- About 6.30am, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Merrylands where they arrested a 25-year-old man. He was taken to Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with four offences relating to participating in a criminal group and dealing with the proceeds of crime. The man was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court tomorrow.
- About 6.05am, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Cartwright where they arrested a 21-year-old man. He was taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with 15 offences relating to possessing an unauthorised firearm and participating in a criminal group. The man was refused bail to appear in Liverpool Local Court tomorrow.
- About 10am, strike force detectives executed a Firearm Prohibition Order compliance check in Parramatta where they arrested a 27-year-old man. He was taken to Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with alleged kidnapping offences. The man was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court tomorrow.
During search warrants across south-west Sydney, detectives seized three firearms, large quantities of drugs, knives, cars, luxury goods and $60,000 in cash. All items were seized for further forensic examination.
Investigations under Strike Force Wessex 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.
