Police seize long-blade knife, drugs in armed raid on Surry Hills housing estate

Heavily-armed police have stormed an inner-city public housing tower arresting two men and seizing a frightening cache of weapons and drugs that include a long-blade knife and “ice” pipes.

Heavily-armed police seized weapons and drugs and arrested two men during a raid on a notorious inner-city public housing block.

The raid took place at the 14-storey Northcott tower on Belvoir St, known as “Suicide Towers” and the scene of a number of grisly crimes.

A long-blade knife uncovered in the raid. Picture: NSW Police

Drug paraphernalia found in the raids. Picture: NSW Police

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As members of Strike Force Bernardo — formed in January to target crime in public housing estates — turned up on Thursday, whistles could be heard coming from the building which is home to about 1000 people.

Police seized a long-blade knife, a number of smaller knives and knuckledusters.

They also confiscated capsules, a bong, “ice” pipes, cash and syringes.

A 48-year-old man was arrested after allegedly running at police with a metal pole as they raided a unit.

He was charged with armed with intent and resist arrest.

electronic bicycle.

Capsules found by police. Picture: NSW Police

One of the two men arrested in the raids on Thursday. Picture: NSW Police

A 53-year-old man was charged with drug and weapons possession and goods in custody after police seized drugs, a knuckle duster and an electronic bike.

Parramatta Bail Court heard he had lived in the Surry Hills unit for a year.

He was released on bail with the requirement he continue to live at Northcott.

A 38-year-old woman was issued with a cannabis ­caution during a search of a third unit.

Police said Strike Force Bernardo was “an ongoing investigation into criminal activity within public housing estates in the Surry Hills area”.

“Police searched three units in a housing estate complex on Belvoir Street ­resulting in the seizure of drugs and prohibited weapons,” a police statement said.

“Police will continue to target drug use, possession and distribution with their command.”

In 1990 five tenants in the estate were shot dead by a neighbour offended at being called a dole bludger.

In 2001, another man was found dismembered in a bathroom.