PLEASE NOTE: NSWPF-branded images of the items seized are available via Hightail: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/pWVEBTi8jP
Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged four men after seizing more than 5kg of cocaine and methylamphetamine, and $1.5 million cash, in Sydney's inner west overnight.
Detectives from the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad and officers from the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC) established Strike Force Polle to investigate money laundering and other illicit criminal activities.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force officers stopped a sedan on Mintaro Avenue, Strathfield, about 3.40pm yesterday (Sunday 8 January 2023), and spoke with the two male occupants, aged 23 and 28.
During a search of the sedan, officers found about 2.3kg of cocaine and $24,000 cash. A subsequent search of a hatchback parked nearby located a further 550g of cocaine and 140g of MDMA.
The two men were arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station.
Investigators later executed two search warrants at properties on Hunter Street, Strathfield, where police located and seized a further $1.5 million cash, 2kg of methylamphetamine, 2L of methylamphetamine oil, almost 700g of cocaine as well as cannabis and steroids, three vehicles, two hydraulic press machines, two ballistic vests, a firearm and ammunition, multiple drivers' licenses and other items consistent with the manufacture of illicit drugs.
All seized items will undergo further forensic examination.
Two men – aged 18 and 35 – were arrested at one of the Hunter Street homes and taken to Auburn Police Station.
The 23-year-old man was charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug.
The 28-year-old man was charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
The 18-year-old man was charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and three counts of knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
The 35-year-old man was charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
All four were refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Monday 9 January 2023).
Investigations under Strike Force Polle are ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Polle 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.
