16 May 2024, 7:41am
Media Release
Drug & Firearms Squad detectives charge three men for alleged drug supply; $10m worth of assets frozen – Strike Force Verbena
This is a joint media release between the New South Wales Police Force, AFP and NSW Crime Commission
Editor’s note: Vision available via Hightail
New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) Drug & Firearms Squad detectives have charged three men for alleged prohibited drug supply under Strike Force Verbena.
Strike Force Verbena is a joint investigation between the AFP and NSWPF State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC) to investigate the alleged prohibited supply of drugs by a 47-year-old man and his associates.
Following extensive inquiries, about 11.40am yesterday (Wednesday 15 May 2024), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – arrested a 24-year-old man in Chester Hill.
During a search of the man’s car, police located and seized 1kg of MDMA, 56 grams of cocaine and approximately $50,000 in cash.
He was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with 12 offences, including supply unregistered firearm-pistol, participate in a criminal group, five counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and five offences related to commercial drug supply.
The man was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today (Thursday 16 May 2024).
Simultaneously, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – stopped a vehicle on Alfred Street in Ramsgate where they arrested a 47-year-old man.
During a subsequent search warrant at a home in Sans Souci – with assistance from the AFP and Marine Area Command – police located and seized electronics, prohibited drugs, and other items relevant to their investigation.
In addition to the items seized, the NSWCC froze approximately $10,000,000 in assets linked to the 47-year-old.
The man was taken to Kogarah Police Station, where he was charged with 10 offences, including knowingly direct activities of a criminal group, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, supply unregistered firearm-pistol and seven offences relating to commercial drug supply.
He was refused bail to appear before Sutherland Local Court today.
About 1.20pm, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – arrested a 25-year-old man at a park on Alfred Road in Brookvale.
During a subsequent search warrant at an apartment in Bexley, police located and seized a DECCD and other items relevant to their investigation.
He was taken to Manly Police Station, where he was charged with take part supply prohibited drug greater than large commercial quantity, take part supply prohibited drug (greater than indictable & less than commercial quantity), and participate in a criminal group.
The man was refused bail to appear before Manly Local Court today.
Inquiries under Strike Force Verbena continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by visiting the Crime Stoppers website. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
