Police claim drug operation linked to Alameddines running in Sydney CBD

Police raided high-rise units in Sydney’s CBD on Thursday, alleging they were housing a drug operation connected to the notorious Alameddine crime network.

Four men were arrested in police raids on high-rise units in Sydney’s CBD on Thursday, as detectives tracked what they believe to be a drug operation connected to the notorious Alameddine crime network.

Police stormed three units just after 7.30am and marched the four men out of 317 Castlereagh St in handcuffs in front of stunned onlookers.

Detectives from the Sydney City proactive crime team uncovered intelligence which they claim indicated the units were used as a form of drug house operating from the complex in the heart of the CBD.

Police will allege the apartments were being used by associates of the Alameddine network.

Sydney City Police area command boss Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said he was determined to prevent the type of violence associated with drug dealers, disrupt the CBD.

Ryan Bali, 39, is arrested and marched out of the unit complex on Castlereagh St on Thursday. Picture: John Grainger

“The city and its surrounds are where people can and will be able to come at any time to enjoy themselves in a safe environment,” Supt Fileman said.

“Drug dealers, members of organised crime networks and bikie groups who attract violence will not be tolerated.

A man in a red hat is arrested, but was later released. Pictures: John Grainger

“NSW Police will target organised crime networks at a local level, whether they operate in the city or the suburbs.

“We will continue to arrest anyone involved in the distribution of drugs in the CBD by any crime gang or individual and you will see more arrests relating to this operation and others in the near future.”

Among those arrested was Ryan Bali, 39, who was charged with six counts of possessing a prohibited drug. He was refused bail.

Another man, also aged 39, was being interviewed by police on Thursday night.

Police load up a large number of evidence bags. Picture: John Grainger

A 33-year-old man was charged and was due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday.

A fourth man, aged 34, was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and later released, pending further investigation.

A planned 30th birthday party by a senior member of the Alameddine crime family two weeks ago was derailed twice by the Sydney City command when officers alerted the venue about who was behind the booking and shut down another venue.

Police have been at pains to stop any outbreak of violence in Sydney’s central neighbourhoods in recent weeks.

Last week in Kings Cross, gang-busting detectives stalked known gang figures through the heaving night spot, and issued anyone with known involvement in a criminal network with ban notices.

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