Australian police have seized drugs worth $170 million and firearms in a major raid targeting a group allegedly linked to an attempted organised crime hit near a Sydney daycare last week.
New South Wales police previously reported foiling an attempted murder by a so-called “kill team” and arresting three men in connection with the plot. On Wednesday, authorities revealed they had confiscated some 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of drugs during the operation, believed to be connected to the foiled attack.
Detectives discovered vacuum-sealed bricks of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin hidden inside duffel bags at Sydney safe houses. The haul is estimated to have a street value of Aus$260 million ($170 million).
Police said the raids were part of a wider effort to dismantle a “transnational network believed to be run out of Southeast Asia”. Organised Crime Squad Commander Peter Faux told local media the syndicate was “highly likely” linked to last week’s attempted killing and may have connections to the April abduction and murder of a Sydney mother.
Images released by police showed armed officers searching one of the hideouts, with drug packages emblazoned with a cartoon bear from the 2012 film Ted and other bags marked with red Chinese characters reading “smooth sailing”.
The raid also yielded three pistols and more than 300 rounds of ammunition. Three men aged 19 to 26 have been arrested and charged with multiple drug supply offences.
Authorities noted that Australia’s high drug prices make it a lucrative target for organised criminal networks, ranging from Southeast Asian Triads to South American cartels.