Up to 2000 users of dial-a-dealer drug syndicates have been sent a text message by police asking them to come forward with information about the crime groups.
The numbers were obtained from mobile phones seized in a two-month New South Wales Police operation targeting cocaine dealers operating in Sydney.
‘This ph no has been ID’d as part of a NSWPF Cocaine investigation in the Sydney area,’ the text said. ‘If you have any information please contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.’
Perhaps surprisingly, a police spokeswoman said dozens of those who received the text message had already replied.
About 2000 phone numbers were retrieved from the phones of those arrested in the operation
Police have sent a text message to about 2000 people whose numbers were found in an operation targeting dial-a-dealer cocaine syndicates in the Sydney metropolitan area
Strike Force Northrop was a two-month sting targeting ‘dial-a-dealer’ cocaine syndicates
Cocaine seized by Strike Force Northrop in an operation targeting dial-a-dealers in Sydney
A total of 36 people – 28 men and eight women – have been arrested by police who seized 468 grams of cocaine, 196 grams of MDMA, $120,000 cash, two loaded firearms and a number of cars.
But it is the location of about 2000 numbers on mobile phones seized by Strike Force Northrop that would have customers of the syndicates worried.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell said every number found on the phones would be contacted.
‘What we’ll be doing today is sending SMS text messages to each of those persons to ascertain if they can help us further with our inquiries,’ Detective Chief Inspector Bell told reporters last Friday.
‘If you are the recipient, it’s in your best interest to contact them.’
Detectives and other police arrest a man as part of an operation targeting cocaine dealers
NSW Police arrested 36 people as part of an operation targeting cocaine supply in Sydney
Strike Force Northrop police arrest a suspect as part of a crackdown on cocaine supply
While the recipients were under no legal obligation to reply, dozens had done so by Friday evening.
The syndicates are alleged to have used a central phone number for customers to contact and organise a drug drop at a location of their choice.
Detective Chief Inspector Bell compared it to arranging the delivery of fast food.
‘Just like ordering a pizza … only illegal,’ he said.
‘These criminal groups have an extensive client base that individuals were contacting for the sole purpose of purchasing cocaine.
‘They were operating a dial-a-dealer service.
The cocaine seized would have equated to about 500 street deals.
‘It shows that the demand for cocaine is high,’ Detective Chief Inspector Bell said.
A Glock 26 pistol seized by Strike Force Northrop in an operation targeting cocaine supply
Cash seized by officers from Strike Force Northrop targeting cocaine dealing in Sydney
The syndicates are alleged to have used a central phone number for customers to contact
‘While the demand is high, we’ll continue to run these types of investigations.’
The majority of those arrested face charges relating to the ongoing dealing of cocaine and others were picked up for possession.
They came from all walks of life, ‘from corporates to unemployed’, Detective Chief Inspector Bell said.
Strike Force Northrop was established in September 2017 by detectives attached to Redfern Region Enforcement Squad to target the ongoing supply of cocaine within the central metropolitan region.
Police have laid more than 120 charges in total and most of the defendants will face court in January.
Charges include supply prohibited drug, knowingly participate in criminal group, ongoing drug supply, deal with proceeds of crime and possess prohibited drug.
Police have laid more than 120 charges and most of those accused will face court in January
The cocaine seized by Strike Force Northrop would have equated to about 500 street deals
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