Sydney police on Wednesday announced the arrest of three men after a major methamphetamine bust in the city’s western suburbs, as part of a larger investigation into an alleged drug supply syndicate. The operation, carried out by detectives from the organized crime strike force, began with a search warrant on Oct. 15 in Glendenning, 36 km northwest of central Sydney.
During the initial operation, officers seized 45.4 liters of liquid methamphetamine, 5.6 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 48 rounds of ammunition. Police said the seized drugs had an estimated street value of 15.4 million Australian dollars (10.8 million U.S. dollars). The raid also uncovered a clandestine laboratory that was later deactivated.
At the time of the first arrest, the 38‑year‑old man was taken into custody and charged with supplying a prohibited drug in greater than large commercial quantities, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, as well as possessing ammunition without a license.
Subsequent arrests and charges
Police carried out subsequent search warrants the following day, leading to the arrest of two additional men, both aged 46. During the second operation, officers seized an additional 88 grams of methamphetamine, and encountered an inactive clandestine laboratory.
One of the 46‑year‑old men was charged with supplying a prohibited drug in greater than large commercial quantities, mirroring the first suspect’s charge. The other 46‑year‑old was charged with a lesser offence, supplying a prohibited drug in greater than indictable, but less than commercial, quantities, and supplying an unregistered pistol.
All three men were denied bail, according to Sydney police. The officers emphasized the seriousness of the offences, noting that the drugs were seized in large commercial quantities and that the suspects had connections to the broader drug supply syndicate under investigation.
While the investigation continues, the seizure demonstrates the ongoing efforts of the Australian authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks in the Sydney area. Police officials said they will review the evidence gathered at the Glendenning site as part of the broader probe into illegal methamphetamine production and distribution.
