Raptor cops seize $2m worth of illicit drugs and 11 firearms

A 27-year-old man has faced court today following the seizure of $2 million worth of illicit drugs and 11 guns in Sydney’s south. He is facing 23 charges including supplying a large commercial quantity of cocaine and possessing seven illegal firearms.

Brenden Hills

less than 2 min read

August 31, 2019 - 3:00PM

The Sunday Telegraph

NSW

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Anti-bikie police allegedly found cocaine worth millions and a cache of loaded guns hidden in a fake air-conditioning unit inside a penthouse in Sydney’s south.

The discovery was made during a series of co-ordinated raids by Strike Force Raptor on Friday that resulted in the seizure of $2 million worth of illicit drugs and 11 illegal firearms.

Following a lengthy investigation police executed eight criminal organisation search warrants at two residential units at Rockdale and two industrial premises at Botany, about 4pm.

The arsenal of weapons seized by Strike Force Raptor officers. Picture: NSW Police

During the search, police located 7.7kg of cocaine, and seven firearms — including a 9mm assault rifle, a Smith & Wesson revolver, and a semi-automatic pistol — in a false air-conditioning unit above a penthouse apartment on Market Street, Rockdale.

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At 6pm, police arrested Joseph Farah, 27, on the street outside the unit on Market St, Rockdale.

The Bankstown man did not apply for bail in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and he will next appear in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday.

Officers seized $2m worth of illicit drugs.

A handgun seized in raid. Pictures: NSW Police

Farah is facing 23 charges including supplying a large commercial quantity of cocaine and possessing seven illegal firearms, some of which were loaded.

This allegedly included an XD series pistol, a Ruger .22 calibre pistol, a 9mm assault rifle, a Glock 17 pistol, a CZ 75 pistol, a Smith and Wesson .375 magnum, and a Remington Colt .45 pistol.

The firearms and drugs were found in

a false air-conditioning unit. Pictures: NSW Police

Police also located a further three firearms, ammunition, bullet proof vests, 1kg of cocaine and 1kg of methylamphetamine during a search of the basement and 25 litres of GBL at Botany.

The firearms will undergo forensic and ballistic examination.

Outside court, Farah’s lawyer Elias Tabchouri said: “Mr Farah is facing very serious charges, and on that basis we have adjourned the matter to carefully consider our position prior to making any application for bail.”

Investigations are continuing.