Revesby drug lab dismantled, police seize $2m illegal cigarettes

Police have seized a massive haul of illegal cigarettes during an investigation that also uncovered a clandestine drug lab in Sydney’s southwest.

A multimillion-dollar drug lab in Sydney’s southwest has been dismantled, with police alleging a man tried to burn the set-up down with officers inside.

Raptor Squad officers arrested seven people and seized almost $2m worth of illicit cigarettes as well as drugs and cash as part of the investigation into organised drug supply.

Police allege the Revesby drug lab produced hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine worth an estimated street value of more than $50 million.

In March, officers located the inactive clandestine lab in an industrial complex and allegedly found 12kg of methylamphetamine and precursors inside.

Specialist police were called in to dismantle the lab and a crime scene guard was put in place overnight.

Officers say they seized almost $2mllion in illegal cigarettes. Picture: NSW Police

100kg of loose tobacco was also allegedly seized. Picture: NSW Police

During this process, officers found a man on the roof of the lab allegedly attempting to set it alight with police inside. He then fled the scene and firefighters extinguished the blaze.

No one was injured.

Raptor Squad officers took over the investigation and established Strike Force Ooranga to investigate the lab and the alleged arson attempt.

After an extensive investigation, strike force officers, supported by specialist police units, executed 10 search warrants across Sydney, targeting locations including Yagoona, Prestons, Heckenberg, Narellan, and Croydon Park on Monday. 

Officers claim to have located illicit cigarettes, tobacco and cannabis. Picture: NSW Police

Illegal tobacco. Picture: NSW Police

During these searches, officers claim to have located and seized more than $1.8m in illicit cigarettes, 100kg of loose tobacco, $37,000 in cash, small amounts of cannabis and multiple electronic devices.

Strike force officers arrested six men – a 28-year-old Narellan man, a 39-year-old Yagoona man, a 27-year-old Heckenberg man, a 31-year-old Prestons man, a 40-year-old Yagoona man and a 33-year-old Croydon Park man – as well as a 33-year-old Croydon Park woman during the searches.

Hani Kalaoun, 28, was taken to Narellan Police Station, where he was charged with taking part in manufacturing prohibited drugs in large commercial quantities, participating in a criminal group and dealing with proceeds of crime. He appeared at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday.

Mohammed Ammouri, 39, and Steve David Tabone, 40, were taken to Bankstown Police Station, where they were charged with manufacturing prohibited drugs in large commercial quantities and participating in a criminal group. Both men appeared at Bankstown local court on Tuesday.

Raptor Squad officers have charged seven people in Sydney during an investigation into organised drug supply. Picture: NSW Police

Six men were arrested during the raids. Picture: NSW Police

Ahmed Taiba, 27, and Mohammed Shameem, 31, were taken to Liverpool Police Station, where they were also charged with manufacturing prohibited drugs in large commercial quantities and participating in a criminal group. Both men appeared at Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday.

All five men were refused bail.

Kalaoun, Ammouri, and Tabone are due to face Burwood Local Court next week. Taiba and Shameem are both expected to reappear at Parramatta Local Court on September 26.

The arrests followed the dismantling of a multimillion-dollar Revesby drug lab. Picture: NSW Police

The Croydon Park man and woman were taken to Burwood Police Station, where they were charged with dealing with proceeds of crime, possession of more than 100kg of tobacco, and conveying or possessing tobacco with intent to defraud revenue.

They were granted conditional bail to face Burwood Local Court on September 24.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis, the commander of the NSW Police Raptor Squad, said targeting criminal groups made the city significantly safer by reducing the supply of such dangerous drugs.

“This is an elaborate criminal syndicate that we have completely dismantled through our investigations with Strike Force Ooranga,” he alleged.

“The result has a huge impact on the supply of meth throughout Sydney.”

Det Supt Koutsoufis said Raptor Squad officers were expected to make further arrests “in the near future”, and issued a stern warning to those involved in illicit drugs.

“Officers are committed to targeting those involved in serious and violent crime and will turn over every stone to identify, disrupt and suppress their criminal activity,” he said.

“If you are involved in the manufacture of drugs and supply of illicit drugs and tobacco, expect our attention.

“I have 150 committed officers, with the one goal to make NSW safer.”

One of the men being arrested during the sweep. Picture: NSW Police

Officers allegedly located and seized the illicit substances. Picture: NSW Police

“These drugs are incredibly dangerous and, by targeting the alleged sources, we have potentially saved thousands of lives. There is no doubt about it.

“The sale of these drugs we believe has also fuelled organised crime across this state. For those criminals out there, who have been profiting from putting these dangerous substances into our communities, know it is a matter of time before we come for you.”

Investigations under Strike Force Ooranga continue.

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