Sydney drug sting results in $1.5m of ice seized and 13 arrested

In just over a week, police have crushed hydroponic setups at homes in western Sydney, arrested more than a dozen people and seized millions of dollars of ice, cannabis and cocaine.

A police sting across Sydney has resulted in thirteen people being charged with serious offence and cops seizing more than $1.5 million worth of ice, 18kg of cannabis, hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In just over a week, police have crushed hydroponic setups at homes in western Sydney, arrested more than a dozen people and seized millions of dollars of ice, cannabis and cocaine.

The latest in the series of raids began on Monday when NSW Police, AFP and other specialists groups searched homes in Bankstown and Luddenham.

Redfern Region Enforcement Squad investigators charged 13 people. Picture: NSW Police

Police executed 21 search warrants across Sydney. Picture: NSW Police

They seized a mobile phone and issued a 49-year-old Bankston man with a court attendance notice. He is expected to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 29.

During the search of the Luddenham property, police seized $12, 140 in cash, 91g of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and prescription medication.

A short time later police went to a business on McLachlan Ave, Rushcutters Bay and spoke with a 49-year-old Luddenham man.

Cash and drugs sezied by police

during the raids. Picture: NSW Police

He allegedly ran away from police, throwing a bag under a nearby car, before being arrested in Darlinghurst.

The bag was recovered and it allegedly contained 115g of cocaine.

He was taken to Kings Cross Police Station and charged with six offences, including; resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, two counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity) and three counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

He appeared at Central Local Court the same day, where he was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at the Downing Centre Local Court on July 12.

Police raid a home during the operation. Picture: NSW Police

The operation continued again yesterday with searches of five properties in Alexandria, Auburn, Campsie, Haymarket and Rockdale

Police seized more than $76,000 cash, 63g of cocaine, 11g of ice, an electronic stun device, mobile phones and other electronic items.

Officers also seized a stolen medical machine valued at more than $100,000.

A 22-year-old man was arrested at Auburn and charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), participate criminal group contribute to criminal activity and driver fails/refuses to disclose his identity. He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today.

Officers seized 18kg of cannabis. Picture: NSW Police

A 25-year-old woman was arrested at Alexandria and charged with supply prohibited drug, two counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle), and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.

A 29-year-old man was arrested at Alexandria and charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and goods suspected stolen in/on premises (not motor vehicle).

The pair were refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today

The latest arrests come after a huge crackdown last week.

Officers from Redfern Region Enforcement Squad raided 14 properties at Bankstown, Bass Hill, Cabramatta West, Canley Vale, Dundas, Guilford, Mount Pritchard, Riverwood, Sefton and Villawood on Wednesday June 2.

They found three hydroponic setups and 290 cannabis plants – with an estimated street value of $1 million.

Four men, aged 26, 27, 33, 38, and two women, aged 35 and 41, were arrested and charged. They remain before the courts.

Later that day, police arrested a 64-year-old Villawood man at a Bass Hill vehicle stop. During a search they allegedly uncovered $105,000.

He was taken to Bankstown station and charged with a slew of offences including three counts of supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), three counts of supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), supply prohibited drug and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

Police will allege in court he was involved in the supply of 3.1kg of ice, with an estimated street value of $1 million, between December and June.

He appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday last week and was refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court August 4.

A short time later, officers arrested a 48-year-old man at a home at Fairfield. He was also charged with drug supply charges and refused bail at Parramatta Local Court last Thursday.