OFF THE WIRE
police.nsw.gov.au
Gangs Squad detectives have arrested four men following investigations into drug manufacture and an altercation involving alleged associates of the Hells Angels and Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG).
Cash, drugs, firearms and an inactive clandestine drug laboratory have also been uncovered during the series of raids in Sydney’s south-west earlier today.
Strike Force Reference was established by the Gangs Squad to investigate the suspected manufacture of prohibited drugs.
During that investigation, police became aware of an altercation at Bringelly on Thursday 15 December 2011, where a man was allegedly assaulted by three men. A firearm was discharged during the incident, but it is not believed anyone was shot.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed six simultaneous search and crime scene warrants at addresses at Bringelly, West Hoxton, Austral and Moorebank just after 9am today (Wednesday 21 March 2012).
Two men, aged 33 and 38, were arrested at the warrants at Bringelly and West Hoxton, while a 27-year-old man was arrested at Parramatta.
The first two men were taken to Green Valley Police Station, while the third man was taken to Parramatta Police Station.
A fourth man was arrested this afternoon after attending the Moorebank address. He has been taken to Liverpool Police Station.
During the search warrants, police seized two firearms, ammunition, amounts of substances believed to be methylamphetamine or ‘ice’ and a large sum of cash.
An inactive clandestine laboratory, used to manufacture prohibited drugs, was located at Austral, with further chemicals and equipment located at Moorebank. The Drug Squad’s Chemical Operations Team is providing assistance.
The arrested men remain in custody and detectives anticipate laying a number of charges.
The search warrants are ongoing.
