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ORGANISED Crime Squad detectives arrested a man at Wagga Wagga on Tuesday in relation to the shooting murder of another man in the Illawarra last year.
The body of John Gasovski, 48, was located in the Budderoo National Park at Jamberoo by a park ranger in June.
He died after suffering a single shotgun wound to the head.
Mr Gasovski, a father of four, had been reported missing by his wife three days earlier.
He had failed to return to his Arncliffe home after telling her he was taking a business trip to Canberra.
Initial inquiries were conducted by the Homicide Squad, but the investigation was referred to the Organised Crime Squad’s Strike Force Brinkley after the murder was linked to an ongoing investigation into commercial drug manufacture and supply.
Four people remain before the courts on drug offences as a result of that investigation.
Extensive inquiries have been conducted into Mr Gasovski’s murder by Organised Crime Squad detectives assisted by the NSW Crime Commission.
Police allege Mr Gasovski had been involved in the purchase of equipment used to manufacture prohibited drugs prior to his death, and had planned to take part in the transport of a commercial quantity of cannabis from Canberra to Sydney.
About 4.30am on Tuesday, Organised Crime Squad detectives were assisted by Wagga Wagga Police to arrest a 46-year-old man during a car stop in Wagga Wagga.
The man was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with murder.
Glen Dunstall faced Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday and did not apply for bail.
The case was adjourned to Nowra Local Court next month.
Commander of the Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Scott Cook, said organised crime-related homicides were often the most challenging type of murder to solve due to reluctance from some people to provide information to police.
“I would like to thank all the police involved in today’s operation for their dedication and hard work to date,” Det Supt Cook said.
“Police cannot achieve these outcomes without the assistance of the community; I would like to congratulate those in our community who came forward to assist their police. Your help was invaluable.”
Det Supt Cook said this incident was an unfortunate reminder of the risks involved in organised crime.
“Becoming involved with organised crime groups and networks is very dangerous and can often have serious consequences, not only for the individual, but their family and the wider community as well,” Det Supt Cook said.