Seventh Arrest Made in Major Illawarra Drug Syndicate Operation
A seventh individual has been charged as part of an extensive police operation targeting a large-scale drug syndicate in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. The latest arrest follows a series of coordinated raids that have uncovered significant quantities of illicit substances, firearms, and cash.
Simultaneous Raids Across Multiple Suburbs
Police executed nine simultaneous search warrants at properties located in Farmborough Heights, Albion Park, Albion Park Rail, Primbee, and Warilla. These operations, conducted on Thursday, January 22, involved multiple specialised units including the Raptor Squad, the Southern Operation Support Group, Lake Illawarra and South Coast officers, and the Dog Unit.
During these raids, law enforcement officers allegedly seized 1.18 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $390,000, along with 2.12 kilograms of cannabis valued at approximately $53,000. The total narcotics haul is estimated to be worth over $440,000.
Additional Contraband and Weapons Confiscated
In addition to the drugs, police confiscated a substantial arsenal of weapons and other illicit items. The seized contraband included:
- 16 registered firearms and 2 unregistered firearms
- $98,939 in cash
- 4 knuckle dusters
- 15 vials of anabolic steroids
- 223 packets of cigarettes
- Various ammunition
Multiple Arrests and Charges
Initial raids resulted in the arrest of five men aged 47, 48, 28, 58, and 69, along with a 42-year-old woman. These individuals were charged with a total of 33 offences related to the alleged supply of drugs and firearms.
As investigations under Strike Force Yetna continued, officers arrested a 35-year-old man on Thursday, January 29. He has been charged with supplying prohibited drugs, possessing a prohibited weapon, and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
The 35-year-old man was initially refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Court 3 on Friday, January 30. Following the hearing, he was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Wollongong Local Court on April 1.
This ongoing police operation demonstrates the continued efforts of NSW law enforcement to dismantle organised crime networks in regional areas. The significant seizures highlight the scale of the alleged syndicate's operations and the potential impact on community safety.
