26/08/2026
Five Dock arrest, Canterbury clandestine laboratory uncovered in Sydney drug syndicate investigation
Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad officers have charged five people over their alleged roles in an organised criminal syndicate supplying drugs across Sydney.
In January 2026 by the Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad commenced Strike Force Cristobal to investigate the alleged supply of prohibited drugs across Sydney.
As part of the investigation, strike force officers identified an organised drug syndicate that was allegedly manufacturing and supplying co***ne with Police estimating the syndicate supplied the prohibited drugs with an estimated street value of $400,000 between April and August 2026.
Following extensive inquiries, yesterday (Tuesday 25 August 2026), strike force investigators – with assistance from specialist groups – executed five search warrants at addresses in Rosebery, St Peters, Mascot, Five Dock and Homebush.
During the search warrant at the Rosebery home, strike force officers allegedly located a clandestine lab. It will undergo an extensive forensic examination.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at a home in Five Dock and was taken to Burwood Police Station where he was charged with:
Supply prohibited drug more than indictable & less than commercial quantity (four counts)
Possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance (four counts)
Deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000 & more than $5000
Possess prohibited drug
Breach of bail
A 28-year-old woman was arrested at a home in Homebush and was taken to Auburn Police Station where she was charged with:
Take part supply prohibited drug more than indictable & less than commercial quantity
Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity
Supply prohibited drug more than indictable & less than commercial quantity
Recklessly deal with proceeds of crime more than $5000
A 38-year-old man was arrested at an address at St Peters and taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with:
Supply prohibited drug more than indictable & less than commercial quantity (nine counts)
Supply prohibited drug more than or equal to commercial quantity
A 40-year-old man was arrested at a home in Mascot and was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with take part supply prohibited drug more than indictable & less than commercial quantity (two counts).
A 30-year-old man was arrested at the Rosebery home and taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with take part supply prohibited drug more than indictable & less than commercial quantity.
All five were refused bail to appear before court today (Wednesday 26 August 2026), with the 32 and 28-years-olds appearing before Burwood Local Court and the 38, 40 and 30-year-olds all appearing before Bail Division Local Court 7.
Following further inquiries, about 11.50pm yesterday (Tuesday 25 August 2026), strike force officers executed a sixth search warrant at an address in Canterbury, where they allegedly located a second clandestine lab. It will also undergo an extensive forensic examination.
During all six search warrants, police allegedly located and seized amounts of co***ne, ketamine, M**A, cannabis, mobile phones, and $28,000 cash.
Investigations under Strike Force Cristobal continue.
