A 49-year-old Nigerian immigration detainee, Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke, along with his accomplice, has been charged in connection with a $9 million drug operation that was reportedly run from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney, Australia.
New South Wales Police revealed on Saturday that Nweke allegedly orchestrated a drug trafficking network using an encrypted messaging service.
Investigators claim Nweke directed a team of runners outside the detention centre, managing the distribution of large quantities of methylamphetamine and cocaine throughout Sydney.
On July 11, police conducted a search of a unit within the detention centre, where they discovered three mobile phones.
Further investigation led to the seizure of 2 kilograms of methylamphetamine and $169,000 in cash.
Nweke 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 reportedly being disposed of, with additional quantities found on the bathroom floor.
Police also seized $325,000 in cash and an encrypted electronic device.
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 offences.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux commented during a press conference, “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.”
The coordinated effort resulted in the dismantling of three separate drug syndicates across Sydney, with the street value of the seized drugs exceeding $9 million.
Both Nweke and the alleged runner were denied bail following brief court appearances at Bankstown Local Court on July 12.
