Two sisters arrested in connection with an alleged $17 million dark web drug syndicate have again been refused bail in Nowra Local Court.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Shanese Koullias, 24, of Callala Bay and Patricia Koullias, 20, of Quakers Hill, did not apply for bail before Magistrate Gabriel Fleming on February 22 which was formally refused.
The sisters were arrested and charged on February 14 along with 25-year-old Callala Beach man Cody Ronald Ward, by State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad detectives, who established Strike Force Royden to investigate criminal networks involved in the supply of illicit drugs in NSW.
Investigators assisted by Strike Force Raptor and South Coast Police District detectives, executed four search warrants at properties at Callala Bay and Callala Beach and a fifth search warrant at a home at Quakers Hill.
During the searches, police seized more than 200 grams of MDMA, a total of 2.5kg of white powder, believed to be cocaine; amphetamine; diazepam, and other illicit substances; 100,000 LSD tabs; cannabis; boxes of Xanax disguised as candy; blue and yellow pills, believed to be illicit drugs; as well as more than $80,000 in cash; documentation; a laptop computer; electronic storage devices; mobile phones; a vacuum sealer; a label maker; money counters; and other items related to the packaging and distribution of illicit drugs.
Related reading:
Investigators also seized three vehicles, a Lexus, a Mercedes-Benz, and a Ford Falcon, with inquiries into the ownership of a Maserati continuing.
Shanese Koullias faces six charges of supplying a prohibited drug commercial quantity, knowingly participate in a criminal group and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime, while Patricia Koullias faces five charges of supplying a prohibited drug commercial quantity and knowingly participate in a criminal group.
Police allege Ward was the ringleader, operating as an online vendor on the dark web and supplying prohibited drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, LSD, cannabis, methylamphetamine (ice), amphetamine, and prescription medication.
It is alleged the women were involved in the preparation, packaging, and distribution of prohibited drugs, which had been ordered.
Ward has been charged with six counts of supplying a prohibited drug commercial quantity, knowingly direct the activities of a criminal group and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
All three will reappear on April 12.
