Instagram model charged in Christmas cocaine crackdown
An Instagram model is among 84 charged in a cocaine crackdown as police claim to have smashed the “brazen” festive season drug market.
An Instagram model is among 84 people arrested on cocaine charges in a citywide police crackdown on the Christmas party drug market.
Vera Zinger, 23, who promotes swimwear and gym supplements on Instagram to her 84,500 followers, was arrested after police allegedly found four bags of the drug in her possession.
Swooped on while driving in Sydney’s newest and most exclusive Barangaroo precinct, Ms Zinger is among dozens of young people allegedly caught red-handed in the largest targeted drugs raids of the last two years.
Police say they are amazed at how brazen people doing drug transactions in open crowded locations have become.
Ms Zinger’s arrest did not discourage her from staying online, posting images of her photo shoots and a world travel series of herself against scenes in Italy, Greece and the Middle East.
Ms Zinger, who has worked as a personal trainer and a waitress, has since shut down one of her Instagram pages.
Among those rounded up for alleged cocaine supply or possession, are a pregnant 24-year-old, a taxi driver and a RAAF member aged 23.
It is the largest number of arrests in one operational phase since the NSW Police launched Strike Force Northrop two years ago.
Northrop seized more than 350 grams of cocaine, plus MDMA, cannabis and cash in targeted raids over three weeks in November and December ahead of the festive season.
With assistance from detector dogs, police conducted raids in Sydney’s inner city suburbs, the eastern suburbs, the inner west and the Sutherland Shire in Sydney’s south.
At the same time on the same Friday Ms Zinger was arrested, police stopped a Toyota Hilux driven by a 25-year-old man in Sydney’s CBD and allegedly found 13g of cocaine and $1600 cash.
Less than two hours later, police arrested a 29-year-old man in the city after he allegedly drove his vehicle towards a plain-clothed officer.
After locating $2650 in cash, police charged the man with supply prohibited drug, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, police pursuit not stop drive recklessly, and deal with property proceeds of crime.
At 7pm the next day, police stopped a 25-year-old driver in Cronulla and allegedly found $2970 cash, four mobile phones, plus more than 13 grams of cocaine in an energy drink can. The driver and a 24-year-old pregnant woman were charged with supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), and deal with property proceeds of crime.
Those arrested in the cocaine raids are due to appear in several Sydney courts in early January.
“Officers were astounded by how brazen some of these alleged drug transactions have become, often taking place in highly-visible and crowded locations in Sydney’s CBD and surrounding suburbs,” Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell said.
“This operation once again shows that cocaine supply and possession is not limited to one specific group of people, with several individuals from well-regarded professions in the community among those now before the courts.”
Ms Zinger was charged with deal with proceeds of crime and two counts of supply prohibited drug. She will appear in court in January.
Among others arrested were real estate agent Alex Papadimatos, 22, charged with supply 10g of cocaine, and a taxi driver who had allegedly carried passengers before being pulled over with 13g of cocaine.
Chief Insp Bell said detectives from Northrop would now target bigger players.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the festive and holiday season sensibly and safely, but sadly there are some in the community that continue to ignore the warnings,” Detective Bell said.
“Unfortunately, some of these people will now spend Christmas behind bars or are likely to start 2020 with a criminal record.
“Those who continue to flout the law should know that these operations will continue, and those involved will be charged and put before the courts.”