Alleged cocaine dealers caught in police operation in Woolloomooloo

Another alleged cocaine dealer has fronted court, charged by police in a major crackdown that bears similarities to an operation which saw 55 arrests in the eastern suburbs in May.

Jaewook Lee (right) pictured with his lawyer Joshua Jung outside the Downing Centre today. Picture: Anton Rose.

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A man caught as part of a police operation targeting cocaine dealers in Woolloomooloo earlier this month will plead to guilty to one charge, with another set to be heard by the District Court.

Jaewook Lee from Rhodes, 33, was charged after Kings Cross and Surry Hills detectives allegedly caught him with cocaine and $1200 alleged to be the proceeds of crime after witnessing a man entering and leaving a vehicle on July 6.

Lee’s arrest was one of six on the same night in Woolloomooloo, all in similar circumstances, with police stopping the vehicles after allegedly witnessing suspicious activity.

One of the people charged as part of the sting that night is accused of possessing 46 bags of cocaine.

Jaewook Lee will eventually have his matter heard in a higher court. Picture: Anton Rose.

Lee’s lawyer Joshua Jung told the Downing Centre Local Court his client would be pleading guilty to supplying the prohibited drug, but his proceeds of crime charge would have to be heard by a higher court.

His matters have been adjourned to be heard back in the same court on September 19.

The police operation bares a striking resembelance to Strike Force Northrop which targeted cocaine dealers in the eastern suburbs in May.

Police at the time had made 55 arrests by standing on the streets of Paddington, Coogee and Bondi, waiting for alleged transactions to occur before swooping in on what they say was a “dial-a-dealer” ring.

Customers whose numbers where found on alleged dealers phones then received a message from police saying: “your phone number has been located in a cocaine investigation. If you have any information in relation to this please contact (police) or CrimeStoppers”.