November 25th 2024.
Authorities in two Australian states have successfully dismantled a suspected drug smuggling ring that operated across state borders. This achievement comes as a result of a joint effort between police forces in New South Wales and Western Australia, who worked together under the codename Strike Force Buckwong.
The operation began on November 13th at 10:15 am when detectives pulled over a car in Condell Park, located in the southwestern region of Sydney. Upon searching the vehicle, police uncovered $60,000 in cash, a specialized encrypted communication device commonly used by criminals, and a bag containing a white powder believed to be cocaine. As a result, the 29-year-old male driver was apprehended and charged with drug possession and participating in a criminal group. He was released on conditional bail and is expected to appear in court next month.
According to police, the driver was acting under the orders of the group's leader, who allegedly sent him to collect money on their behalf. Shortly after this arrest, a 38-year-old man was apprehended in Prairiewood, a suburb in western Sydney. He was found to be in possession of $53,500 in cash and two more of the encrypted communication devices. Investigators have linked him to a previous seizure of 6 kilograms of methylamphetamine, also known as ice. The man was charged with drug supply and dealing with the proceeds of crime and was denied bail. He appeared in court the following day, with police claiming he was the mastermind behind the operation.
In addition to these arrests, New South Wales police had previously seized $1.3 million in cash and charged five other men, who are currently awaiting trial. Meanwhile, on the same day as the initial arrests in Sydney, authorities in Western Australia took action and detained three men and three women during raids at various locations across the state. During these raids, police seized over 10 kilograms of methylamphetamine, approximately $620,000 in cash, and two firearms. They also managed to freeze cryptocurrency wallets that were suspected of being used to launder the profits from drug sales.
All six individuals arrested in Western Australia have been charged with drug, firearm, and money laundering offences. This successful operation serves as a reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement agencies in keeping our communities safe.
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