Cybercrime Squad charge dark net vendors with alleged illicit drug supply across Australia
Thursday, 22 May 2025 11:50:21 AM
Cybercrime Squad charge dark net vendors with alleged illicit drug supply across Australia
Issued at 11.45am, Thursday 22 May 2025
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Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged two men for the alleged supply of illicit drugs on the dark web under Strike Force Hallingbury.
Strike Force Hallingbury was established by State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad in January 2025 to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs of the dark web.
During the investigation, strike force detectives identified two men who were allegedly operating vendor sites on various dark web marketplaces.
Following extensive inquiries, about 1.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 21 May 2025), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed two search warrants in Belmore and Yennora.
At the Belmore address, police located and seized 3.9 kilograms of prohibited drugs, including crystal methylamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine, along with 36 post satchels, a range of electronics and other items used in the supply of prohibited drugs.
Three motor vehicles were also seized.
A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Campsie Police Station, where he was charged with 98 offences relating to the supply of prohibited drugs.
He was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today (Thursday 22 May 2025).
In Yennora, police uncovered an alleged clandestine drug laboratory and specialist police from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit, the Technical Forensic Support Unit and NSW Fire & Rescue were engaged to dismantle it.
Police seized a further 350g of prohibited drugs, electronics, and equipment consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs.
A 22-year-old man was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station, where he was charged with 20 offences relating to the supply of prohibited drugs.
The younger man was refused bail to appear in Fairfield Local Court today.
A third man, aged 55, was also arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station; however, he was released pending further inquiries.
Investigations under Strike Force Hallingbury continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the supply of illicit drugs on the dark net is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.