Sydney Police Arrest 33 Individuals, Seize Millions in Drugs During Major Crime Syndicate Operation
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Sydney, Dec 20 (NationPress) A dedicated police task force in Sydney focused on dismantling organised crime syndicates has successfully apprehended 33 individuals and confiscated drugs valued at millions of US dollars.
Authorities in New South Wales (NSW) reported on Friday that 33 individuals have been charged by detectives from Task Force Lupin since its covert establishment in July, aimed at tackling an escalating conflict among organised crime networks originating from Asia.
Alongside the arrests, law enforcement seized prohibited substances worth over 10 million Australian dollars (approximately 6.2 million US dollars), as well as 600,000 Australian dollars (about 372,000 US dollars) in cash, seven firearms, and over 20 specialized encrypted communication devices used for criminal activities.
Detectives executed more than 35 search warrants and uncovered three secret methamphetamine labs, two located in western Sydney and one in the secluded town of Mollyan, which is over 300 kilometers northwest of the city.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, who commands the NSW Police organized crime squad, stated that the task force worked diligently and discreetly for a span of six months, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"The efforts of our covert task force have resulted in a significant breakthrough against organised crime from Asia in southwest Sydney, leading to over 30 arrests," he mentioned in a statement.
"These individuals are dangerous criminals with the potential for violent behavior, and the message today is straightforward: there is no room for such violence on our streets."
In a June incident, law enforcement reported that eight masked men broke into a residence in southwest Sydney, shot the occupant, and set fire to the property.
Five individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the shooting, including a 25-year-old who faced charges for another shooting earlier in June.
A 37-year-old man arrested on Thursday has been charged with 19 offences related to the distribution of commercial quantities of drugs and the possession of firearms. NSW Police will argue in court that he was a key figure responsible for drug distribution within one of the syndicates.
