DAWN raids have been conducted across Sydney and the Illawarra including at Kiama, Warilla, Croom and Callala Bay leading to some 18 arrests with the promise of more as part of a two-year police investigation into the supply of firearms and drugs to organised crime groups.
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Strike Force Alistair was established by the NSW Police Force Organised Crime Squad and the NSW Crime Commission in July 2011, with assistance also provided by the Gangs Squad.
They have been investigating the supply of guns, drugs and explosives to organised crime groups, with some of those items allegedly destined for outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Drugs, firearms, explosives, a hand grenade and $500,000 in counterfeit cash was seized as police executed 30 search warrants in properties across NSW that are linked to the Hells Angels, Rebels and Comanchero bikie clubs.
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, praised officers involved and said today’s arrests would have significant impact on a number of firearm and drug supply chains in NSW.
‘‘Today’s arrest phase is the culmination of many months of exhaustive investigations which had already taken more than 10 firearms and illicit drugs, worth millions of dollars, off the streets,” Mr Scipione said.
“A number of significant illegal supply chains have now been severed, which will reduce the availability of guns and drugs to those organised criminal groups.”
The Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Mick Plotecki, said a number of international links were identified, including Balkan and Asian syndicates.
‘‘More than 350 police across the state executed 30 warrants today," he said, adding that the arrests had been executed across south-west Sydney, the northern metro area, the CBD and the south coast,’’ he said.
‘‘Some of the items seized in the raids gave insight into the brazenness of the groups involved. I am disturbed by some of the stuff we've taken because of the sheer audacity of these people.’’
Strike Force Alistair is ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
