Father and son among three charged in Sydney multi-million dollar meth, cash bust in western Sydney

Sweeping raids saw a father and son among three men charged in connection with an alleged large-scale methamphetamine manufacturing and supply operation in western Sydney.

A father and son from Sydney’s west have been caught up in sweeping raids by the federal police, after allegedly participating in a large-scale meth manufacture and supply ring.

Sam Raheb and his son Gabriel were arrested on Tuesday, after a seven month investigation into the cooking and supply of meth in western Sydney.

Australian Federal Police officers arrested the father-son duo, as well as a third man – George Barikhan – following the discovery of two clandestine laboratories.

The laboratories were discovered in October last year, with $1m in cash, 130kg in meth and 12kg in cocaine hidden inside.

The investigation began after the AFP received intelligence from border force, that a Mexican-Colombian national with suspected organised crime links had landed in Sydney.

Gabriel Raheb was granted bail at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, May 7 after he was arrested and charged over commercial drug related offences.

He was charged a month later, with three other people, after the labs were discovered in Wermobi and Greystanes.

The AFP allegedly discovered the operation involved several others, and continued their investigations, arresting the Rahebs and Barikhan this week.

The 45-year-old man was arrested at Werombi. Picture: AFP

Police allege they assisted in importing a precursor to cook meth, possessed equipment or documents containing instructions for manufacturing meth and worked as part of an organised crime group.

However, they are still on the hunt for another man, understood to be involved in the operation, appealing for community assistance to identify him.

The man is described as caucasian in appearance, 175–180cm tall, with dark hair, an average build, and tattoos on his right leg and left arm. He was seen on September 23, 2024, at a cafe in Macquarie Park meeting two men who were caught up in the initial arrests.

AFP acting Commander Peter Fogarty said the charges should serve as a warning to people involved in the manufacture of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine.

AFP officers are released footage of a man they believe can help with inquiries. Picture: AFP

“Criminal syndicates go to great lengths to conceal their activities, all in the name of greed and profit,” acting Commander Fogarty said.

“Clandestine labs represent a significant risk to the community; they are highly volatile and pose significant health and safety risks to criminals, drugs users and members of the wider community who may be unlucky enough to be living near one.

“Criminals seeking to profit from the manufacture of harmful illicit drugs – be warned. The AFP is ready to act and disrupt your criminal activities and bring to justice anyone responsible for putting the Australian community at risk.”

Sam and Gabriel both faced court on Wednesday, where Gabriel was granted strict bail – with his lawyer arguing he played a lesser role in the operations.

Sam and Barikhan did not make applications for bail and will remain on remand in custody until they appear before the court again later this week.
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Originally published as Father and son among three charged in Sydney multi-million dollar meth, cash bust in western Sydney