THOUSANDS of ecstasy tablets destined for Saturday's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney were taken out of circulation last night after a major police operation.
Strike Force Boult, a four-month undercover investigation, ended in police from the Surry Hills Regional Enforcement Squad swooping on a McDonalds restaurant at Kingswood shortly after 10.30pm (AEDT) to arrest a 22-year-old man.
Ryan Kirkbride, from Wentworthville, was charged with selling a large commercial supply of a prohibited drug.
Police will allege Mr Kirkbride was organising the supply of 2000 ecstasy pills for Saturday's Mardi Gras.
Worth about $80,000 on the streets, police, more importantly, believe the arrest has ended a valuable supply chain to this weekend's gay parade.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Catherine Burn hailed the bust as a significant blow ahead of the parade.
"We will be alleging that the drugs were destined for the Mardi Gras parade," Ms Burn told The Daily Telegraph last night.
"The disruption of this drug supply chain has put a dent into the market and it will reduce the amount of drugs available.
"It's essential that people understand we are going to target drug crime up to and including the Mardi Gras parade."
Strike Force Boult was formed last October, targeting large scale ecstasy supply in the Sydney area.
Police will allege Kirkbride sold a large commercial quantity of ecstasy to an undercover officer numerous times during the investigation.
It culminated last night with his arrest for organising the sale of a further 2000 pills.
A large amount of pills were allegedly found in Kirkbride's car after his arrest.
Three separate cars were hit during the arrest, however police charged only Kirkbride.
He provided little resistance.
At the same time police raided his home in Wentworthville.
"It is an extremely significant result for the Surry Hills Regional Enforcement Squad," Ms Burn said.
She praised the work of officers involved in the operation.
"There is a link to the Mardi Gras," she said. "It's a win for the NSW Police force just before a major event in Sydney."
More than 10,000 gays and lesbians are expected to march in the Mardi Gras.
