A Wadalba man has been charged with multiple offences following a major investigation into drug and weapon supply across NSW.
Detectives attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District established Strike Force Shipley in January to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs and firearms on the Central Coast.
Enquiries revealed criminal activity relating to the supply of MDMA and cocaine, as well as the supply of illegal guns across Sydney and the state’s north.
Subsequently, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Meegan to investigate similar criminal activities being conducted out of Western Sydney.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators from Tuggerah Lakes Police District arrested a 34-year-old man at a carpark on St Johns Rd, Jilliby, on Thursday, June 25.
He was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with 14 firearms offences and 13 drug offences.
It will be alleged in court that the man supplied firearms, including pistols and semi-automatic assault rifles, and prohibited drugs across NSW.
On the same day, detectives from the Drug and Firearms Squad attended a hotel at Reservoir Rd, Arndell Park, and spoke with a 33-year-old Toongabbie man.
During a subsequent search of the man’s vehicle, officers located and seized an amount of MDMA and cocaine, as well as $10,000 cash.
The vehicle was seized and will undergo forensic examination.
The man allegedly attempted to resist police before he was arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station.
Shortly after the arrest, strike force investigators, with assistance from the North West Operations Support Group (OSG), executed two search warrants at units at Blacktown and Toongabbie.
During the searches, officers seized more than 2kg of cocaine, 12kg of MDMA, about 2kg of cannabis, an amount of methylamphetamine (ice) and equipment consistent with the supply of prohibited drugs.
Detectives also seized a loaded pistol, ammunition, a flick knife, a money counting machine, mobile phones and documentation.
A further $250,000 cash was located in a dishwasher at the Blacktown property and seized.
Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander, Superintendent John Gralton, said yesterday’s operation has taken an alleged illegal firearms supplier off the streets.
“During this investigation, police have uncovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise responsible for the large scale supply of guns and drugs across the Central Coast,” Supt Gralton said.
Source:
Press release, Jun 26
NSW Police Media