Strike Force Northrop was formed in 2017 to investigate and target the ongoing supply of cocaine within the Greater Sydney region and as part of ongoing investigations, investigators approached a stationary vehicle at Argyle Street, The Rocks, about 7.30pm on Wednesday (November 10).
When officers spoke to the driver, the 26-year-old Bankstown man allegedly accelerated into a parked police vehicle, causing minor damage to both cars.
During his subsequent arrest, the man allegedly attempted to swallow a number of small resealable bags.
Five bags believed to contain cocaine were recovered and the man was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital under police guard for treatment.
A short time later, two search warrants were executed at homes at Bankstown and Greenacre, and a crime scene warrant at a unit at Bankstown.
During the searches, officers allegedly seized nearly 430g of cocaine with an estimated potential street value of $127,500 and almost $98,000 cash.
About 8.30pm the same day, investigators arrested a 24-year-old Greenacre man at a shopping centre carpark at Bankstown.
He was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), deal with property proceeds of crime and knowingly direct activities of a criminal group.
A 23-year-old woman who was arrested at a service station at Bexley just before 3pm yesterday (Thursday, November 11), was charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
When the older man was released from hospital he was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), deal with property proceeds of crime, knowingly direct activities of criminal group and knowingly drive vehicle in manner menaces other.
Central Metropolitan South Region Enforcement Squad Commander, Detective Acting Inspector Matthew Stratton, said those involved in these syndicates are profiting from illegal activities and knowingly putting other’s lives at risk.
“With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we have once again seen a rise in the number of criminal groups using the ‘Dial-a-Dealer’ methodology to supply cocaine and other prohibited drugs across Sydney,” Det A/Insp Stratton said.
“With Christmas approaching, we want to ensure everyone across the state has a happy and safe holiday season, so the message remains the same – if you are dealing or using drugs, you will be charged and put before the courts.”
