Five people charged with drug, firearm offences following raids at Oak Flats, Bexley North, Pyrmont

Five people have been charged with 161 drug and firearm offences after police uncovered 15 firearms and a stash of drugs following an eight-month drug supply investigation.

Five people charged with 161 drug and firearm offences after police uncovered 15 firearms and a stash of drugs following an eight-month investigation. Picture: NSW Police

One of five people charged with 161 drug and firearm offences have been granted bail after police uncovered 15 firearms and a stash of drugs following an eight-month investigation.

The Lake Illawarra Police District established Strike Force Yirak in November 2022 to investigate the large-scale supply of drugs and firearms in the Illawarra region.

During the investigation, police uncovered 15 firearms – including shotguns and pistols – and strike force detectives arrested three men and two women on Wednesday.

Brett Bennett and Alyanna Brookes – both aged 24 – were arrested during a vehicle stop about 10.45am on Central Ave, Oak Flats where police seized methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, and Butanediol.

They were taken to Lake Illawarra police station, where the man was charged with 19 counts of drug supply, and participating in a criminal group. The woman was charged with 15 counts of taking part in drug supply, drug supply, and participating in a criminal group.

Investigators arrested five people. Picture: NSW Police

A 50-year-old man, James Strickland was arrested during a vehicle stop half an hour later at a carpark in Haywards Bay.

He was taken to Lake Illawarra police station and was charged with 72 offences, including 48 counts of drug supply, eight counts of taking part in drug supply, four counts of supplying a firearm, owner/occupier knowingly allowing use as a drug premises and participating in a criminal group.

A search warrant was conducted. Picture: NSW Police

A 31-year-old man, Anastasios Calligas was arrested at a Bexley North home about 11:35am and was taken to Kogarah police station and was charged with 38 offences including three counts of drug supply, two counts of supplying prohibited firearms and participating in a criminal group.

Angela Smith-Wilson, 30, was also arrested at an Oak Flats home about 12pm and was taken to Lake Illawarra police station and charged with six counts of supplying a prohibited firearm, possessing more than three unregistered firearms and participating in a criminal group.

Search warrants at homes in Oak Flats, Bexley North, and Pyrmont uncovered a number of items, including methamphetamine, 97L of 1,4 Butanediol, and more than $35,000 cash.

Brookes was the only person who was granted bail, while the others were all refused release.

A firearm was seized. Picture: NSW Police

Calligas appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday where his lawyer, Ahmed Dib said his client had a very limited criminal history which included a non-conviction conditional release order and a matter dismissed under the Mental Health Act.

Mr Dib said Calligas’ had not been in custody previously and this would be his first time.

Drugs were seized. Picture: NSW Police

Mr Dib submitted Calligas had mental health issues including anxiety, depression and PTSD; also adding Calligas would be in jail on remand for more than two years if his case went to trial.

Mr Dib also said the risks could be mitigated if Calligas was placed on strict bail conditions including home detention, reporting to police twice a day, only using one mobile phone without internet access and not contacting the co-accused.

Magistrate Philip Stewart said the alleged facts of the case indicated there was an “extremely strong prosecution case” against Calligas including controlled purchases of drugs and firearms.

Mr Stewart said there was a “very significant quantity” of drugs allegedly supplied, noting Calligas allegedly had a “significant role” in the syndicate before he refused bail.

All cases were adjourned to August.