Pasquale Barbaro: Cops strike back at ‘hit squad’ linked to slain gangster’s execution
THIS is the astonishing haul that police allegedly uncovered in the Strike Force Osprey raid which has led to four men being charged over the murder of underworld standover man Pasquale Barbaro.
NSW
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NINE alleged Rebels bikies have been charged, four of them with murder, following a series of dramatic arrests into the killing of Mafioso boss Pasquale Barbaro and drug supply.
Three men arrested at Olympic Park yesterday, aged 24, 27 and 28, were charged with murder among a raft of firearm and dugs charges. A 23-year-old arrested in another raid among 13 search warrants was also charged with murder.
Abuzar Sultani, 27, was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, knowingly direct a criminal group, supply prohibited firearm, aggravated firearms possession, possess ammunition and drug supply offences.
He did not appear in Newtown Local Court this morning and his solictor, John Hajje, did not make an application for bail on his behalf.
Sultani is charged with Barbaro’s murder, conspiracy to murder Rebels bikie Ricky Ciano, supply prohibited firearms, aggravated firearms possession, posses ammunition and drug supply. He did not enter a plea.
Police will alleged that at various times between August and his arrest yesterday, Sultani had in his possession more than 9300 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and gauges, supplied more almost five kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 1.3 kilograms of MDMA and 12.85 grams of heroin.
It will also be alleged that during the same period he possessed 29 weapons, most of which were pistols, and that on one occasion he supplied a self-loading SKS rifle.
Hajje asked that the court put on record that his client had received a head wound during his arrest yesterday and, while treated by ambulance officers last night, may require further medical treatment.
Outside court, Hajje told media Sultani would fight the charges.
He will reappear in Burwood Local Court, alongside his co-accused, on December 21.
Siar Munshizada, 28, appeared in the dock at Burwood Local Court also charged over Barbaro’s murder.
His co-accused Jared Prakash, 24, didn’t come up from the cells.
Munshizada, is charged with murder and participating in a criminal group.
His defence solicitor, also John Hajje, did not apply for bail but flagged an application may be lodged when the matter returns to court.
Wearing a red Adidas hoodie, black pants and sporting a shaven head and a pony-tail, Munshizada took a keen interest in the proceedings, looking around the court before being led away by sheriffs.
Prakash was charged with participate in a criminal group, take/drive conveyance, and enter vehicle without consent)
Magistrate Jacqueline Trad set the matter for mention for December 21.
Police, involving the Tactical Operations Unit and the Bomb Squad, executed 13 search warrants at Sydney Olympic Park, Wentworth Point, Baulkham Hills, Gladesville, Merrylands, Constitution Hill, Meadowbank, Five Dock, Alexandria, Silverwater and North Rocks.
A further five men, aged 18, 22, 23, 27 and 29, were arrested during the operation.
The 23-year-old man was charged with murder, driving offences, dishonestly possess interfered-with unique identifier and participate in a criminal group. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court later today.
During the operation, police seized more than 40 mobile phones/devices, 11 vehicles, a safe, cash, stolen NSW Police Force identification, and a variety of documentation, which will be examined by specialist forensic accountants from the Fraud and Cybercrime Squad.
Earlier in the investigation, Strike Force Raptor officers also seized 20 long arms, 23 hand guns, 15 prohibited weapons, including ballistic vests and masks, silencers, a stun gun, and a homemade pipe gun; ammunition, methylamphetamine, ecstasy, and five vehicles.
In November 2015, the Gangs Squad’s Strike Force Raptor started investigating into the Burwood Chapter of the Rebels.
After uncovering the alleged supply of ice the Drug Squad joined the investigation.
Investigations by the Homicide Squad’s Strike Force Osprey also linked the syndicate to the death of Pasquale Barbaro at Earlwood earlier this month.
He was shot dead in front of construction industry identify George Alex’s house as he got out of his car.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Field Operations Frank Mennilli said police were determined to stop the bloody gangland turf wars playing out in suburban streets.
“The safety of the community remains our number one priority and police will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt anyone who chooses to engage in reckless, violent acts,” he said.
“Public acts of violence are dangerous and will not be tolerated by police. We will not back down; we will continue to target anyone who shows a blatant disregard for community safety.
State Crime Commander Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins said more arrests for Strike Force Osprey investigating eight gangland slayings were expected.
“Inquiries by Strike Force Osprey are only in their early stages, and despite murder charges being laid, there is no definitive connection to other ongoing investigations,” he said.
“I can assure the community we will not give up until we have resolved these issues and while ever people choose to commit crime, we will target them and put them before the court.”
“Working in collaboration, the squads of State Crime Command have dismantled an organised criminal syndicate and taken almost 60 illegal weapons – including 43 firearms – out of the hands of criminals; and prevented almost $400,000 worth of illicit drugs from hitting the streets.”
Two other men arrested at Olympic Park, aged 24 and 28 charged with murder, will also face court today.
The 28-year-old man was charged with murder and participating in a criminal group. He has been refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court later today.
One 24-year-old man was charged with murder, larceny, intimidation, and participating in a criminal group. He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court later today.
Four further alleged bikies were granted bail to appear in court at later dates.
The 18-year-old man was charged with participating in a criminal group. He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday December 15.
The 22-year-old man was charged with habitually consort with a convicted offender. He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on December 14.
The 27-year-old man was charged with participating in a criminal group and habitually consort with a convicted offender. He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on January 16.
The 29-year-old man was charged with three counts of possessing a prohibited drug and two counts of goods in custody. He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on January 10.
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