Five men have fronted court after police allegedly smashed a drug syndicate and uncovered over 5kg of cocaine and MDMA and $500,000 in cash.
In May, police established Strike Force Rohini to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs across Sydney.
The investigation targeted an alleged drug syndicate operating in multiple suburbs including Homebush and Eastwood.
Investigators searched a unit in Homebush last month and allegedly uncovered almost $400,000 in cash, 3.6kg of cocaine, 2kg of MDMA, and two handguns and ammunition.
The estimated street value of the drugs was $1.4 million.
Police arrested one man in Lidcombe and he was charged with a string of offences including two counts of supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) before being refused bail at Burwood Local Court.
Following further inquiries, four search warrants were executed on Wednesday at properties in Eastwood, Guildford, Hornsby and Macquarie Park.
Police seized more than $117,000 in cash, 84g of magic mushrooms (psilocybin), and MDMA and cannabis during the search warrants.
Police will allege in court the syndicate was using properties in Homebush and Eastwood to store illegal drugs.
Four men were arrested and charged.
The four men fronted Central Local Court via audio visual link on Thursday where Rowan Lee and Chan both applied for bail.
One of the defendants lawyer Yusuf Hassan claimed his 18-year-old client was nothing more than a courier within the syndicate, according to allegations set out by police.
He also stated his client was on the Autism spectrum and that factor, combined with his young age, would make him vulnerable in custody.
Magistrate Kate Thompson did not accept the claim he was merely a courier within the syndicate and stated he allegedly negotiated with an undercover operative and was involved in the supply of a large amount of MDMA.
The court also heard the police investigation involved physical and electronic surveillance.
One of the men from Guildford, was refused bail and has been charged with three offences including supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity).
One defendant, from Macquarie Park, successfully applied for bail in court and is the only alleged member of the syndicate not to be charged with supply an indictable or commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.
He has been charged with four offences including deal with proceeds of crime and supply a prohibited plant.
His brother, did not apply for bail and his bail was formally refused. The Rydalmere man has been charged with four offences including supply a prohibited drug (commercial quantity).
He also did not apply for bail and his bail was formally refused. The Hornsby man has been charged with 11 offences including two counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity).
Their matters will be back in court on November 17.
Surry Hills Region Enforcement Squad Commander Detective Acting Inspector Sheldon Klotz praised the work of investigators in dismantling the alleged syndicate.
“Over the past six months, detectives have conducted an extensive and thorough investigation into the activities of these individuals allegedly involved in the supply of harmful and prohibited substances in the community.”
