Sydney, Australia
Two arrested in Sydney ecstasy raids
By David Braithwaite
March 2, 2006 - 5:24PM
Police have seized 23,000 ecstacy tablets worth $1.15 million and arrested two men in a series of raids across Sydney today.
The raids are continuing this afternoon at homes in Gordon and Woolloomooloo.
Drug Squad detectives today arrested two men alleged to be part of an organised crime group involved in high-level drug supply.
Detectives will also allege they seized prohibited drugs with an estimated potential street value of $1.15 million during a three-month covert operation.
The operation was part of Strike Force Left, set up in December last year after police received information about the supply of ecstacy in metropolitan Sydney.
Police said today's arrests were a result of inquiries by the State Crime Command Drug Squad, assisted by officers from the Harbourside Local Area Command.
A 28-year-old Woolloomooloo man was arrested shortly before midday in a car park at Crows Nest.
About 30 minutes later detectives arrested a 27-year-old man at a home in Gordon.
Both men were taken to North Sydney Police Station where they are being questioned by strike force detectives.
Officers say they seized 5000 ecstacy tablets during the early stages of the operation, with an estimated potential street value of $250,000.
Today a further 18,000 ecstacy tablets were seized at a Crows Nest car park, worth an estimated $900,000, as well as a sum of cash.
Search warrants are still being executed at an apartment in Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, and a house in St Johns Avenue, Gordon.
Acting Drug Squad Commander Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Newham said the arrests would hit the supply of MDMA in Sydney.
"We will be alleging the men arrested today have been involved in the high-level supply of prohibited drugs," he said.
"It's alleged these tablets were destined for sale in Sydney and interstate and today's operation will go some way towards cutting down the availability of these drugs."
From
Sydney Morning Herald