Joshua Anthony Pereira: Ryde man arrested on drugs charges
A young father has faced court after police claim they smashed a drugs syndicate following raids across Sydney. Officers seized more than $115,000 cash, large quantities of drugs, mobile phones and a ballistics vest.
North Shore
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A father accused of playing a major role in a large cocaine operation in Sydney’s northwest has fronted court.
Joshua Anthony Pereira, 28, from Ryde, was arrested alongside his older brother Sean Pereira, 32, from Kingscliff, on March 12.
The pair are among seven people – five men and two women – arrested and charged by police over an alleged “dial-a-dealer” syndicate supplying cocaine across Sydney’s northwest.
A strike force was set up to investigate the syndicate and led to police raiding units in Granville, Ryde and Carlingford.
Police allegedly seized more than $115,000 cash, more than 1kg of cocaine, more than 2kg of a substance believed to be methylamphetamine, 117g of heroin, steroids, mobile phones and a ballistics vest.
Joshua was charged with a long list of offences following his arrest and police will allege in court he was a major player in the syndicate.
He has spent the past month behind bars but applied for bail at Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
He was granted bail but was ordered to deposit a $50,000 surety.
His defence lawyer told the court his involvement with the syndicate was not as serious as his charges implied.
“These facts are more consistent with a low-level of supply such as delivering the drugs.”
He argued that because of the current issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic there were lengthy delays in the district court, meaning his client could spend a long time behind bars waiting for trial if he was not released on bail.
The prosecutor opposed bail and said it was a strong case against Joshua.
“It is a strong case which relies upon telecommunications taken of the defendant.”
He also stated Joshua had a history of violence which should be taken into account.
Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson granted him bail to live with his partner and child in Ryde.
However, she warned him he must keep his strict bail conditions which included his not leaving the home except for medical emergencies.
“You have very serious charges laid against you,” Magistrate Atkinson said.
“If you do not comply with these bail conditions you may find yourself back before the courts with police seeking for you to be contained.”
He is facing 11 charges including two counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
No pleas have been entered.
His older brother Sean is facing one charge of supply prohibited drug and was released on bail after his arrest. He is due back in court next week.