Cops’ ’breakthrough’ after gang shootings in Sydney’s southwest
Police say they carried out more than 150 ‘covert taskings’ in an investigation into a spate of alleged gang-related shootings, home invasions, and kidnappings.
More than $10m worth of drugs have been seized and 33 people charged following a spate of violent home invasions, kidnappings and shootings linked to organised crime in Sydney’s southwest.
A taskforce was established in July to address conflict in Sydney’s southwest linked to organised crime networks (OCNs) from Asia who allegedly carried out home invasions, kidnappings and firebombings in an attempt to control drug supply and manufacturing in the region.
Police have charged 33 people and executed more than 35 search warrants.
Methylamphetamine laboratories were also found in Canley Vale, Fairfield and Mollyan.
More than $10m worth of prohibited drugs was seized along with nearly $600,000 in cash, seven firearms and more than 20 encrypted criminal communication devices (DECCDs).
Speaking on Friday, Organised Crime Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Peter Faux alleged those responsible were “extremely violent” and that the operation caused a “significant” disruption to their groups.
Detective Supt Faux said these alleged gangs “do fly under the radar”, could be “a lot more discreet” than other crime networks.
Police undertook more than 150 covert taskings during the multifaceted operation, in an effort to stop and charge those allegedly involved without derailing the ongoing investigation.
“I think if we left this untapped, so to speak, crimes of violence would have escalated,” Detective Supt Faux said.
SHOOTINGS AND HOME INVASIONS
Police were called to Charles St in Guildford West about 9.20pm on June 3 following reports of shots fired in a home.
There were no injuries reported.
Officers were then called to Mary Wade Place in Carnes Hill about 12.45am on June 11 following reports a man had been shot.
Police were told up to eight men forced their way into the home before shooting a 25-year-old man.
The man was treated for a gunshot wound to his right leg by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
He was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The offenders, who wore face coverings, also poured petrol through the home.
A man fired a shotgun round into the victim’s parked car on the driveway before the group fled.
In another instance, a 25-year-old man was arrested on Olympic Parade in Bankstown.
He was charged with 11 offences relating to the Guildford West and Carnes Hill incidents, while four other men were also charged and remain before the courts.
METH LAB SHUT DOWN
Detectives identified a Willowbank Crescent property in Canley Vale being used as a clandestine laboratory.
A 23-year-old man was observed leaving the property about 6.30pm on October 24, with police stopping the vehicle on Picton Rd at Mount Ousley shortly after.
He was taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug commercial quantity and refused bail.
He appeared at Wollongong Local Court on October 25.
A search warrant was executed at the Canley Vale address shortly after where police discovered the laboratory had been set up for methylamphetamine production.
The lab was dismantled.
A firearm, magazine and ammunition were found hidden in a downlight void at the property when detectives returned on October 30.
A search warrant was executed at a Liverpool address about 6.50am on December 19 and a 37-year-old man was arrested.
He was refused bail and was set to front Paramatta Local Court on Thursday.
Police were expected to allege the man played a major drug supply role in the syndicate.
‘MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH’
A firearm was found during a search warrant at a Green Valley address about 9.40am on December 19.
A 24-year-old man was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station.
He was charged with possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and possess unauthorised firearm.
He was refused bail and is set to front Parramatta Local Court on Friday.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux said the results had taken tireless work over six months.
“Our covert taskforce’s efforts have culminated in a major breakthrough against organised crime hailing from Asia in southwest Sydney, with over 30 arrests made,” Superintendent Faux said.
“These were dangerous criminals capable of violent crime and the message today is simple: There is no place for this sort of violence on our streets.
“The success of this taskforce is a direct result of meticulous planning, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of justice by our officers.
“We are proud to say we have struck a significant blow to organised crime in the southwest Sydney region.”
Anyone with information has been urged to come forward as the taskforce continues.
Police are expected to address the media on Friday afternoon.
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