Operation Vitreus is a joint initiative between all Australian state and territory police agencies, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, AUSTRAC, Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, which ran Monday to Friday, September 11-15.
Over the course of the week, police across the country made 979 arrests, laid 2006 charges, executed 388 search warrants, and seized 1.2 tonnes of drugs with an estimated street value of $475m.
Homes at Belfield and Bankstown were among several raided on the first two days the operation with police allegedly locating 523 cannabis plants and 25kg of dried cannabis leaf, estimated to have a street value of approximately $1.5m, as well as $194,490 in cash.
Two women, aged 49 and 25, and a man aged 27 were charged with eight serious drug supply and criminal group related offences, while the two 26-year-old men were charged with five offences each.
Later in the week, homes at Georges Hall, Chester Hill, Bankstown Greenacre were raided as part of an ongoing investigation into a dial-a-dealer syndicate under Strike Force Vaxit.
During the searches, police allegedly seized approximately 2kg of cocaine, about $168,470 in cash, 20 litres of suspected GBL, a revolver firearm, eight vehicles, stolen registration plates and items consistent with the manufacture of drugs.
Four males aged 24, 19, 26 and 44, as well as a 31-year-old woman were charged with a number of drug supply, firearm and criminal group related offences.
Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said Operation Vitreus is a great example of the NSWPF working closely with partner agencies to keep harmful drugs off our streets.
“While this week of action is over, we remain committed to working alongside our partner agencies in the fight against drugs – and our ability to pool intelligence and resources like this should make criminal groups very nervous,” he said.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
332 people arrested, more than $33m worth of drugs seized
A NATIONAL week of police action, targeting illicit drugs and related organised criminal activity, has led to 332 people being arrested and more than $33m worth of drugs seized.