More than 100 members of the serious organised crime squad conducted a raid in Drummoyne, speaking to about 100 residents, seizing $30,000 cash from one home, and searching seven people and five cars before leaving. The residents were approached by associates of criminal networks who were on high alert due to threats from other criminal organizations. These associates were not official security guards but lower-end individuals used by the networks for protection. It was mentioned that no part of Sydney is out of bounds for these criminal networks as they deal with large amounts of disposable cash, which can be used in various ways.
Police sources mentioned that firearm prohibition compliance checks were carried out on two men, Omar Haouchar and Ayman Manly, who were both compliant and faced no charges. Omar is the brother of alleged syndicate commander Bilal Haouchar, who was arrested in Lebanon but not charged in Australia. Another brother, Nedal, was charged with drug-related offenses in Sydney and faces a Supreme Court bail hearing soon. Despite many of the key players in the Haouchar syndicate being arrested or fleeing abroad, NSW Police are focusing on those still in Australia and are determined not to let them intimidate residents.
The raids in Drummoyne are uncommon for the area, with similar operations more typically seen in Sydney’s south-west, where major crime gangs compete for drug territory and assert their authority on the streets. Police received interesting information during the raid and plan to return to follow up on it in the future. The residents of Drummoyne were said to be happy to see police presence in the area and willing to provide information to assist the investigation. Reports of previous police activity in the area were deemed incorrect and likely stemmed from residents being concerned about the individuals living in their neighborhood.
NSW Police are committed to maintaining a strong presence in areas like Drummoyne to combat organized crime and protect the community from criminal networks. It was emphasized that anyone in the vicinity of such networks may be subjected to harassment or interrogation by their associates. The use of large amounts of disposable cash by these criminal groups was highlighted as a significant concern and a way for them to exert influence and authority. While some key figures in the Haouchar syndicate have been arrested, the police are determined to continue their investigations and ensure that those who remain in Australia are held accountable for any criminal activities. As they work through the information gathered during the raid, they plan on returning to the area to follow up on leads and continue their efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
