Detectives believe local construction companies part of a money laundering syndicate

Detectives believe several Illawarra construction and development companies could be linked to a ‘drug laundering’ syndicate linked to an alleged drug ring smashed by police over the past month. 

Cash allegedly seized at the Guildford man’s home. Picture: NSW Police.

Detectives believe several Illawarra construction and development companies are part of a money laundering syndicate linked to an alleged drug ring smashed by police over the past month. 

Strike Force Mote was established by detectives from Lake Illawarra Police District in August 2020, to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs from an automotive store in Port Kembla. 

Following investigations, police executed a search warrant at AC Automotive on Military Road, Port Kembla, about 7.40pm on Wednesday, September 30.

During a search of the store, officers allegedly seized almost half a kilogram of methylamphetamine – which has an estimated potential street value of $80,000 – drug paraphernalia, a firearm and ammunition. 

Two 27-year-old men, Cameron Hooper and Leti Tugaga, as well as 39-year-old Feras Abdul-Hamid, were arrested and charged with commercial drug supply offences in connection to the seizure. 

Drugs seized by Strike Force Mote. Picture: NSW Police

Cash seized over the course of the investigation. Picture: NSW Police

Hooper and Abdul-Hamid were released on bail while Tugaga remains on remand in custody. Last week, police arrested a fourth man from Guildford, who police claim was Hooper, Tugaga and Abdul Hamid’s upline supplier. 

Cameron Hooper was released on bail in October. Picture: Facebook.

A search of his car allegedly revealed $65,000 cash, while investigators also allegedly found and seized 16kg of MDMA, 3kg of methylamphetamine, 1kg heroin, 1kg cocaine and $320,000 cash at his home. The estimated street value of the drugs is in excess of $1.4 million. 

He was charged with five counts of large commercial drug supply and deal with proceeds of crime. 

On Tuesday, Lake Illawarra Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Daniel Richardson, said police believe there is a drug laundering syndicate operating in the area.

“This syndicate is operating in construction and development companies, there must be members of the public that are aware of this activity,” he said. 

“We will continue to target those who choose to engage in this kind of activity and rest assured they will be put before the courts.”

Acting Superintendent Richardson said detectives believe drugs including cocaine, MDMA and heroin, are still being trafficked by others between the Illawarra and Sydney.