The multi-agency taskforce cracking down on organised crime on Australia's waterfront has arrested and charged a Sydney man over the alleged supply of five kilograms of cocaine, estimated to be worth $1.5 million on the street.
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The Australian Federal Police-led taskforce Polaris arrested and charged Ninos Georges, 33, on Wednesday afternoon in a Merrylands street after what a police source described as a “short investigation”.
NSW police raided Mr Georges' Breakfast Point home on Wednesday afternoon and allegedly discovered four blocks of cocaine weighing close to five kilograms. Another warrant was executed at a Hinchinbrook residence where more drugs and firearms were allegedly seized.
Officers allegedly seized a six-shot 357 Magnum revolver, a 15-shot semi-automatic Ruger pistol and a 223 Ruger semi-automatic Carbine rifle with a 30-shot magazine, along with significant quantities of ammunition and a gun safe.
Mr Georges has been charged with possess anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, and supply prohibited drug in excess of large commercial quantity.
Police said it is likely Mr Georges will also face firearm charges.
Mr Georges faced Fairfield Local Court on Thursday where the matter was adjourned until April 17. Bail was refused.
“We will allege he has been making regular trips to South America,” a police source said.
It will be alleged the man has been importing and distributing large quantities of cocaine through the NSW waterfront.
Operation Polaris Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter McErlain, said the investigation demonstrated the effectiveness of a multi-agency approach to disrupt criminality.
“Operation Polaris will continue working in close co-operation with our colleagues at other agencies to target organised crime on the waterfront, including illicit drug importation, money laundering, proceeds of crime, container theft and corruption,” he said.
In July 2010, Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare announced that taskforce Polaris would be set up with 49 criminal investigators and intelligence analysts to dismantle organised crime networks that had infiltrated Australia's waterfront.
The Polaris taskforce involves the Customs Service, the NSW Crime Commission, NSW Police and associated agencies and has so far arrested Sydney waterfront workers and their associates for a range of offences, including illegal gambling, tobacco smuggling and drug distribution.
Last month, Mr Clare said the Federal government would investigate ways to reduce the spate of Sydney shootings and proliferation of illegal firearms being used by criminals.
