Drug dealers' cash-in on burner phones not so scot-free

Secondary mobile phones are growing more popular among dealers and runners who use them as "drug and run" phones for their anonymity, though Detective Inspector Glenn Morfoot says the devices are still able to be traced.

Det Insp Morfoot said dial-a-dealer operations were becoming more prevalent, especially in southwest Sydney.

"A controller who has a 'drug and run' phone receives requests from customers which are then distributed to the runners organising to meet the customers and supply the drugs," he told reporters.

"It is an easy set-up to establish, however with certain investigative methods it is quite easy for (detective teams) to infiltrate."

While burner phones do provide a higher level of security compared with regularly used mobiles, they can still be tailed by law enforcement through a series of methods such as call detail records, location tracking and surveillance.

"If you're involved either as a customer or a runner or controlling these businesses, I'd think twice before (police) come knocking on your door," Det Insp Morfoot said.

The detective's warning comes after three men aged 39, 42 and 61 were arrested for alleged cocaine supply as part of a major investigation into dial-a-dealer operations in southwest Sydney.

The men were arrested on Tuesday morning and taken to Liverpool, Camden, and Fairfield police stations pending charges, and are assisting police with inquiries.

Officers searched four properties about 6am in the Denham Court, Gregory Hills, Lansvale and Bossley Park areas.

The search warrants are ongoing with reports cash was found on some of the premises.

Det Insp Morfoot said police believe the syndicate had been dealing about half a kilogram of cocaine per month over a number of years.

It's unclear whether the arrested men are connected to a larger organised crime network.

Australian Associated Press