NSW Police Task Force Magnus charges three for drug possession or driving offences

Three people - including a man with an ‘appalling’ criminal history - have been charged by a new task force established to crack down on gun-related crime with unrelated offences.

Three men, including a Granville man with an “appalling’’ criminal history, have been charged by the new police task force launched to crack down on Sydney’s recent shootings and gun-related crime with unrelated offences.

Task Force Magnus issued six Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance checks in Sydney’s west during its first five days of operation.

The task force, led by the State Crime Command, was established to target violent crime after a string of shootings that began with bikie boss Alen Moradian being shot dead at his apartment complex in Bondi Junction on June 27.

The most recent shooting death was last Thursday, when David Stemler was shot dead in a hail of bullets as he met with two men outside his rental home in Canterbury.

There is no suggestion the recent charges are linked to these shootings.

NSW Police officers from Task Force Magnus have charged three men. Picture: NSW Police

NSW Police announced Task Force Magnus would be established last week. Picture: NSW Police

On Saturday, police detectives and Raptor Squad officers allegedly seized prohibited drugs, believed to be GHB and cannabis, from a Granville property in an early morning raid.

A 27-year-old man was issued a court attendance notice for two counts of possessing a prohibited drug and will appear before Parramatta Local Court on September 13.

That same day, police allegedly found two resealable bags believed to contain cannabis at a property in Merrylands.

A 21-year-old man was arrested and taken to Granville police station, where he was charged with possessing a prohibited drug and breach of bail. The man will appear in court next week.

On Monday, Raptor Squad Traffic and Highway Patrol officers stopped a grey BMW – believed to be stolen – on Pitt St in Merrylands.

NSW Police Task Force Magnus officers arrested a man in Granville.

Police say they found a number of NSW drivers’ licences, bank cards and a small amount of methylamphetamine.

Police arrested the 27-year-old man after he allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test and he will appear in Parramatta Local Court on September 30.

Earlier on Monday task force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad officers and PolAir – issued three more FPO compliance checks in Merrylands, Guildford West and Carramar. No further police action was required.

Task force officers also charged a 26-year-old driver, Charles Raffoul, who was doing burnouts and driving erratically on Military Rd in Guildford.

His Legal Aid solicitor entered pleas of guilt for him at Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday when the court heard he was on parole for a robbery.

Magistrate Susan McIntyre blasted Raffoul’s “shocking” driving history.

“The traffic history is appalling,’’ she said.

“His criminal history is worse than appalling.’’

The matter was adjourned for sentencing at Mt Druitt Court on August 21 when he will also be sentenced for driving a motor vehicle while disqualified period - second offence. He entered a plea of guilt for the latter offence.

Ms McIntyre granted him strict conditional bail.

He must report to Granville police station four times a week, not drive, forfeit $500 if he fails to attend court and live at his Victoria St, Granville, home with his parents.

His solicitor said he was willing to attend a traffic offender’s program.

Commander of Task Force Magnus Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein said police are “just getting started”, with specialist squads preparing for more proactive taskings.

“Over the coming days, weeks, and months ahead – anyone who associates with organised criminals can expect a knock on the door and to be dealt with accordingly if they’re found to be doing the wrong thing,” Det Chief Supt Weinstein said.

“Task Force Magnus isn’t just about investigating the links between recent violent attacks but it’s about taking a proactive approach to hinder any potential future activity, and ultimately restoring a sense of safety in the community.

“We have a way to go under the new task force, but as we begin our first week working together under the same roof as one operation, I am confident we can inflict serious damage on the criminal networks fuelling gun violence across our city.”