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A Sydney-based criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for cocaine and cannabis trafficking has been dismantled with four men arrested and charged as a part of an AFP-led operation that infiltrated an encrypted communication platform built for the criminal underworld.
A Mortlake man, 24, was allegedly a principal member of the syndicate and was the largest supplier of the encrypted communications platform.
It is alleged he was responsible for supplying 157 encrypted devices across NSW.
It will be alleged a Dulwich Hill man, 31, was also a reseller of the devices and a significant financial backer of the drug trafficking syndicates.
An AFP investigation into the criminal syndicate, codenamed Operation Kraken-Concordia, identified a group using the encrypted application which was involved in the trafficking of cocaine and cannabis.
The AFP will allege members of the group were involved in two online groups. The first online group, named 'Flower Power', trafficked and allegedly coordinated a plot to possess $170,000 worth of cocaine.
The second online group, known as 'Pot Run Operations', allegedly trafficked more than 125kg of cannabis between February 2023 and July 2024 and profited more than $500,000 from their ventures.
The AFP will allege the syndicate sent messages on the encrypted platform, detailing the group's business expenses and the sale of illicit substances titled 'Pineapple Chunk', 'Incredible Hulk' and 'Organic Maple Kush'.
The AFP will also allege a member of the group sourced a firearm for $28,000.
AFP officers executed search warrants today (17 September, 2024), where they located and seized large sums of cash, drugs and mobile phones. Four men were arrested.
The Mortlake man, 24, was charged with:
- Supporting a criminal organisation, contrary to section 390.4(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
- Perverting the course of justice, contrary to section 319 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This offence has a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
- Conspiracy to traffic a marketable quantity of controlled drugs, namely cannabis contrary to section 302.3, by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
- Possession of dedicated encrypted criminal communication devices for certain purposes, contrary to section 192P of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This offence has a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
- Contravene requirements in s3LA order when the warrant relates to a serious offence, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
The Dulwich Hill man, 31, was charged with:
- Conspiracy to traffic a marketable quantity of controlled drugs, namely cocaine, contrary to Section 302.3, by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
- Conspiracy to traffic a marketable quantity of controlled drugs, namely cannabis, contrary to section 302.3, by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
- Possession of dedicated encrypted criminal communication devices for certain purposes, contrary to section 192P of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This offence has a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
- Contravene requirements in s3LA order when the warrant relates to a serious offence, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
A Gledswood Hills man, 34, was charged with:
- Conspiracy to traffic a marketable quantity of controlled drugs, namely cannabis, contrary to section 302.3, by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
- Supply of a prohibited firearm to another person, contrary to section 51(1A) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW). This offence has a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment.
- Possession of dedicated encrypted criminal communication devices for certain purposes, contrary to section 192P of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This offence has a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
A Blacktown man, 31, was charged with:
- Conspiracy to traffic a marketable quantity of controlled drugs, namely cocaine, contrary to section 302.3, by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
- Possession of dedicated encrypted criminal communication devices for certain purposes, contrary to section 192P of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This offence has a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
- Contravene requirements in s3LA order when the warrant relates to a serious offence, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
All four men appeared before Downing Centre Local Court today (17 September, 2024). Inquiries into the syndicate remain ongoing.