Sylvania home’s drug operation hidden behind bookcase
A secret door disguised as a bookshelf allegedly led to a hidden cellar in a southern Sydney home where a Colombian gang was allegedly running a significant drug operation. Check out the astonishing pictures.
St George Shire Standard
Don't miss out on the headlines from St George Shire Standard. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Alleged drunk driver’s bumper trail of destruction
- $5m townhouses approved for quiet Caringbah street
A secret door disguised as a bookshelf allegedly led to a hidden cellar in a southern Sydney home where a Colombian gang was allegedly running a significant drug operation.
The Australian Federal Police are attempting to seize a Sylvania home where they allege drug trafficking took place inside secret rooms in 2017.
An initial raid in 2017 uncovered two rooms hidden behind the bookcase full of cash, drugs, a wireless transmitting detection device, a taser and replica firearms.
A 45-year-old man who jointly owns the property will spend at least two years and four months behind bars after he was convicted of supplying cocaine, possessing cannabis and dealing with more than $100,000 in the proceeds of crime.
The AFP raided the house for a second time last Thursday as officers begin court proceedings seeking to confiscate the home under Commonwealth proceeds of crime legislation.
Officers will allege the house was used as an instrument of crime by a Sydney-based Colombian organised crime group which allegedly imported border-controlled drugs.
AFP co-ordinator Criminal Assets Litigation Penelope Kelton said the AFP always sought opportunities to disrupt, deter and reduce serious and organised crime by seizing alleged criminals’ assets.
“The ability to confiscate items used in the commission of crimes sends a clear message to the criminal underworld – if you commit the crime, we are prepared to target your assets,” she said.
“Drug related crime puts a great strain on the community through increased health care costs, associated property crime and other forms of violence.
“It is only reasonable that police can fight back on behalf of the community by targeting those who seek to profit from inflicting this misery.”
The proceeds of crime aspect of this investigation is ongoing.
For more local news, subscribe now to the St George Shire Standard and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.