A seventh person has been charged in connection with a police operation targeting a large-scale drug syndicate in the Illawarra region. The 35-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, January 29, as part of the ongoing investigation by Strike Force Yetna.
The arrest follows a series of simultaneous search warrants executed on Thursday, January 22, at properties in Farmborough Heights, Albion Park, Albion Park Rail, Primbee and Warilla. During those raids, police allegedly seized 1.18 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $390,000, and 2.12 kilograms of cannabis valued at $53,000.
Officers also recovered 16 registered and two unregistered firearms, $98,939 in cash, four knuckle dusters, 15 vials of anabolic steroids, 223 packets of cigarettes and ammunition. The operation involved Raptor Squad officers, the Southern Operation Support Group, Lake Illawarra and South Coast officers, and the Dog Unit.
Five men aged 47, 48, 28, 58 and 69, along with a 42-year-old woman, were arrested on the day of the raids and charged with 33 offences relating to the alleged supply of drugs and firearms. The latest suspect has been charged with supplying prohibited drugs, possessing a prohibited weapon, and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Court 3 on Friday, January 30, where he was granted conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear in Wollongong Local Court on April 1.
