Tobacco stores, scrap metal yards and shopping centres targeted in Illawarra drug supply crackdown

NSW Police have charged more than 20 people with nearly 100 offences after an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs and illegal tobacco across the Illawarra.

More than 20 people have been charged as part of a high-visibility operation targeting drug supply and the sale of illegal tobacco across the Illawarra with NSW Police signalling more arrests are imminent.

Police established Strike Force Lydd in September to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs – including meth, cocaine and cannabis – in the southern Wollongong LGA suburbs of Berkeley, Warrawong and Port Kembla.

From Tuesday, November 19, to Friday, November 22, a number of search warrants and firearm prohibition orders were executed by officers attached to the Southern Region Enforcement Squad.

Police allege they uncovered drugs, knuckle dusters, a taser, alcohol and property believed to be proceeds of crime during the searches. Illegal tobacco products with an estimated street value of $180,000 were also seized from a store in Warrawong.

Tobacco stores, scrap metal yards and shopping centres were some of the places targeted. Picture: NSW Police

According to police, 21 people have been charged with a total of 95 offences.

Speaking in Wollongong on Monday, Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said the individuals targeted were not connected, labelling the swath of arrests as a “great example of the NSW Police Force working together” given the multiple agencies involved.

“The operations … focused on transport hubs, shopping centres, licensed premises and scrap metal dealers,” Det Supt Beattie said.

]Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie speaking on Monday. Picture: Dylan Arvela

“There are more arrests to come, and it’s only a matter of time before those people end up in our police stations.

“We urge anyone involved in that sort of activity to consider the implications, not only for themselves, but the commuting and realise it’s only a matter of time before we come knocking on their door.”

The Warrawong tobacconist was raided at 10.15am on November 21 where police allegedly seized illegal tobacco products, including cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches and loose tobacco.

A man being arrested by Strike Force Lydd. Picture: NSW Police

A 34-year-old-man was arrested and charged with knowingly dealing with crime proceeds, two counts of possessing more than 5kg of tobacco and conveying tobacco products know of intent defraud revenue.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Port Kembla Local Court on December 18. A 19-year-old male employee was issued with an infringement.

Police also highlighted four of the other arrests being that of a 51-year-old man at Port Kembla, a 46-year-old female also at Port Kembla, a 37-year-old man at Barrack Heights and a 24-year-old man and 23-year-old woman at Warrawong.

The 51-year-old was arrested in a carpark on Allan St and charged with six counts of drug supply, drug supply more than or equal to a commercial quantity, ongoing drug supply and recklessly dealing with more than $5000 worth of crime proceeds.

Drugs and other prohibited items were allegedly seized. Picture: NSW Police

NSW Police have arrested 21 people so far. Picture: NSW Police

Police conducted a search of his Port Kembla home and allegedly seized drugs. He was denied bail in Wollongong Local Court on November 20 and will return to court later this week.

The 37-year-old man was arrested in a McGregor Ave carpark at Barrack Heights. and charged with five counts of drug supply, ongoing drug supply and two counts of drug possession.

Police allegedly located cocaine and cash at his home at Mount Warrigal and after being refused bail on November 20 he will return to court next month.

Raptor Squad officers arrested the 46-year-old woman at a unit in Port Kembla and charged her with 21 offences including seven counts of drug supply and 13 counts of drug possession.

She was refused bail in Wollongong Local Court on November 21 and will reappear at the same court on December 10.

About 8.45am on November 20 the 24-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were arrested at a Warrawong unit.

The man was charged with two counts of drug supply, five counts of taking part in the supply of drugs and drug possession. He was refused bail and will return to court in December.

The woman, who is facing the same charges, was granted bail and will face court on December 12.

Got a yarn? Email [e-mail]