Police in Sydney, Australia, have dismantled a significant criminal operation following the discovery of a large cache of weapons and drugs at a residential property. The seizure occurred Tuesday morning at a home in Glenfield, a suburb in Sydney's southwest, identified by authorities as a suspected criminal safe house.
During a firearm prohibition order compliance check, detectives found six grenades, eight firearms, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The confiscated weapons included three semi-automatic assault rifles, four shotguns, and a pistol, alongside various firearm parts. In addition to the arms, officers discovered approximately 6 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of methylamphetamine, 1 kilogram of ketamine, 15 kilograms of cannabis, 1.1 kilograms of heroin, and 107 grams of MDMA. Electronic devices and about $9,000 in cash were also seized.
A 26-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested at the scene and taken to Campbelltown Police Station. The man faces 27 charges, including firearm possession, drug supply offenses, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. These charges also encompass unlawfully possessing, supplying, or making an explosive, defacing firearm identification marks, and organizing criminal premises. He was denied bail and is scheduled to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday.
The woman was charged with one count of organizing, conducting, or assisting a drug premises. She was granted conditional bail and is set to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on August 27.
State Crime Commander Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook stated that the discovery highlights the dangers posed by organized crime groups. "The fact these items were located inside an alleged safe house shows the level of violence these groups are prepared to engage in, and the level of risk they pose to the public," Cook said. He added that police would continue to target these networks relentlessly.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley commended the police's actions, emphasizing that the bust should serve as a warning to criminals. "It's awful to think what could have happened if police hadn't intervened when they did," Catley stated. "To anyone thinking of taking part in this alleged vicious criminality, our message is: be prepared to spend a long time in a small cell."
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding organized criminal activity to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.