A 49-year-old Nigerian immigration detainee, Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke, along with his accomplice, has been charged in connection with a major drug operation in Sydney, Australia.
The operation reportedly involved a drug trafficking network worth $9 million.
New South Wales Police revealed on Saturday that Nweke allegedly ran the drug network using an encrypted messaging service from the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. Detective Superintendent Peter Faux said, “Police located 750 grams of methylamphetamine and 90 grams of heroin in a toilet bowl, which we allege was an attempt to dispose of the drugs. We also seized $325,000 in cash and a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device.”
Investigators claim that Nweke managed a team of runners outside the detention centre, overseeing the distribution of large quantities of methylamphetamine and cocaine throughout Sydney. On July 11, police searched a unit within the detention centre and discovered three mobile phones.
Further investigation led to the seizure of 2 kilograms of methylamphetamine and $169,000 in cash. Nweke now faces multiple charges, including directing a criminal group and supplying a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.
In a separate operation on Wednesday, detectives found methylamphetamine and heroin concealed in a toilet bowl during a search of a residence in Liverpool. The heroin was being disposed of, with additional quantities found on the bathroom floor.
A 24-year-old man, alleged to be a runner for Nweke, was arrested and charged with supplying prohibited drugs, participating in a criminal group, and other related offenses.
Detective Superintendent Faux commented, “We allege that this significant drug bust has dismantled a major criminal network. The coordinated effort resulted in the dismantling of three separate drug syndicates across Sydney.”
Both Nweke and the alleged runner were denied bail following brief court appearances at Bankstown Local Court on July 12. The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be over $9 million.
