Drugs, firearms in ‘dial a dealer’ raid

In July 2021, Strike Force Sugarcane was established to investigate the activities of a south-west Sydney-based organised criminal network (OCN) and allegedly uncovered a sophisticated ‘dial-a-dealer’ syndicate, which was operating numerous mobile phones for the purpose of drug distribution and supply across NSW.
Several men are now facing a variety of charges including drug supply, firearm, dealing with proceeds of crime and direct or participate criminal group.
So far during the operation, police have seized more than $250,000 cash, prohibited weapons and drugs, vehicles, luxury watches and jewellery, suspected dedicated encrypted communication devices (DECD), numerous mobile phones and SIM cards, laptops, electronic storage devices, key fob remotes, car keys, CCTV systems and documentation consistent with the supply of prohibited drugs.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the dawn raids followed tireless investigations by Criminal Groups Squad detectives to probe the syndicate’s illicit activities.
“Some who were arrested this morning are high-ranking OCN members, who we allege were responsible for ensuring these drug phones remained extremely-profitable cash cows for their criminal organisation,” Comm Webb said.
“Sydney has recently been plagued by gang-related violence, which we know stems entirely from the battles associated with the profits and control of these drug markets.
“Last week I spoke of ‘cutting the head off the snake’ with respect to these groups and as result of this painstaking and protracted investigation, I’m confident we’ve done that.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police, Paul Toole, said described the organised criminal networks as “suburban terrorism” and their activities, which jeopardises the safety of the community, simply “won’t be tolerated”.
Anyone with information that may assist Taskforce Erebus is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.