South Wentworthville, Homebush, Burwood: Strike Force Raptor seizes guns, drugs, cash
Shocked onlookers in a western Sydney street watched as a police swooped and arrested several people after seizing weapons, drugs and cash as part of a crackdown on firearms. WATCH THE DRAMATIC FOOTAGE HERE
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Eight people have been arrested and weapons, prohibited drugs, cash and bikie paraphernalia seized at Homebush and South Wentworthville as Strike Force Raptor continues the execution of Firearm Prohibition Orders (FBO) across Sydney.
The dramatic arrests follow detectives arresting Comanchero Sergeant at Arms Tarek Zahed, 40, at a Burwood Rd hotel on Wednesday afternoon for breach of bail conditions.
The man was taken to Auburn police station, where he was bail refused to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.
Later yesterday evening, Strike Force Raptor officers searched for firearms at the man’s home in Homebush where cash, prohibited drugs and items of clothing with Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) insignia displayed on them, were seized for forensic examination.
Meanwhile, Strike Force Raptor and the Tactical Operations Unit attended a home in South Wentworthville about 4.25pm.
Police allege the home is the residence of individuals currently subject to FPOs.
During a previous search of the house, police allegedly seized a .38 calibre revolver.
As part of ongoing investigations, two occupants – Helal Safi, 45, and Latesha Campbell, 48, – were arrested before further people were found inside the home.
Safi and Campbell appeared via video at Parramatta Local Court where bail was applied for and refused. The pair rejected legal aid and the matter was adjourned to the same court tomorrow so their lawyer can represent them.
Safi faced eight firearm offences including possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit.
Campbell was charged with having firearms found on premises subject to a firearms prohibition order.
Both were charged with being the owner or occupier knowingly allowing premises to be used as drug premises at their Torino Rd home at Edmondson Park.
Five men – aged 42, 29, 28, 27 and 23 – were also arrested in the heavily-armed operation.
Police seized an electronic storage device, mobile phones, prohibited knives, various prohibited drugs believed to be methylamphetamine, heroin, MDMA, and steroids, as well as prescription drugs.
A subsequent search of a Hyundai i30 hatchback, which was parked in the driveway of the property, led to the seizure of a baton, slingshot, mask and assorted documentation.
During the operation, a 37-year-old man arrived at the scene in a vehicle and was identified as a disqualified driver.
He was charged and ordered to appear at Parramatta Local Court on December 14.
