Comanchero associate used Doonside ‘safe house’ in bikie drug syndicate: Police

A Doonside man who allegedly used his family home as a ‘safe house’ in a large-scale bikie drug syndicate, has been granted bail.

Detectives have charged a member and two associates of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) as investigations continue into an alleged large-scale drug supply syndicate. Police searched four properties in Blacktown, Doonside, Smithfield and Sylvania this morning. Picture: NSW Police

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A Doonside man who allegedly used his family home as a “safe house” for illicit drugs as part of a Comanchero bikie drug syndicate has been granted bail.

Joshua Engu, 28, faced Blacktown Local Court this afternoon after being charged with a string of alleged offences relating to the large-scale supply of drugs including ice, cocaine and cannabis.

The prosecution alleged Engu was associated with the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang and provided a “safe house” in the supply of illicit drugs.

The court heard Engu was involved in a “sophisticated drug distribution racket” with alleged Comanchero member Richard Schaaf, 27, of Sylvania, and a 22-year-old Blacktown man.

Investigators from Strike Force Raptor and Yarrum raided homes in Doonside, Blacktown, Smithfield and Sylvania this morning, charging a Doonside man, 28, and a Blacktown man, 22. Picture: NSW Police

It’s alleged a commercial quantity of ice was seized from the property after a raid by Strike Force Yarrum and Strike Force Raptor investigators at 6am today.

Police also searched homes in Blacktown, Sylvania and Smithfield this morning and allegedly seized two luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes AMG, about $100,000 cash, amphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, certified gold playing cards, alcohol and designer clothing and shoes, which are believed to have been stolen.

The prosecution said the property became a location of interest to police due to regular visits from Schaaf and other associates.

Detectives seized luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes AMG, about $100,000 cash, amphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, certified gold playing cards, alcohol and designer clothing and shoes, which are believed to have been stolen in this morning’s raids. Picture: NSW Police

The defence told the court Engu lived at the property with his ill mother and teenage siblings but argued against the “limited prosecution evidence” relating to his involvement in the supply of the drugs.

“It cannot be said the prosecution case is strong in relation to four of the offences … there is very limited evidence about this accused,” the defence said.

The court heard Engu was cooperative with police and disclosed the location of the drugs during this morning’s raid.

Two luxury cars, including a Mercedes AMG were seized as part of police raids across Doonside, Blacktown, Smithfield and Sylvania this morning. Picture: NSW Police

He is yet to enter a plea to the charges, which include supplying an indictable quantity of a prohibited drug, having goods in custody and participating in a criminal group.

He will face Blacktown Local Court again on June 6.

The Blacktown man was also given bail after being charged with supplying an indictable quantity of a prohibited drug and participating in criminal group.

He will appear at Blacktown Local Court on June 13.