Nigerian National Detained In Australia For Alleged $9M Drug Operation From Immigration Center 

Nigerian National Detained In Australia For Alleged $9M Drug Operation From Immigration Center 

A 49-year-old Nigerian national awaiting deportation from Australia, Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke, and another individual have been charged following a police operation that uncovered a $9 million drug ring operating out of the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney…….. CONTINUE READING

On July 27, 2024, New South Wales Police reported that officers raided the detention centre, discovering two kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at $165,000, hidden in porridge boxes.

Nweke, who was arrested on July 11 and taken to Bankstown Police Station, faces multiple charges including supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drugs, supplying a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, and directing a criminal group.

Authorities allege that Nweke used an encrypted messaging service to manage a network of external runners responsible for distributing meth and cocaine across Sydney.

Further investigations led to raids in Sydney’s east and west. In Liverpool, police allege a drug runner attempted to flush 750 grams of meth and 90 grams of heroin down the toilet when officers arrived. An additional 90 grams of heroin was found on the bathroom floor, and $325,000 in cash was seized from the property.

A 24-year-old man, identified as a runner for Nweke, was arrested and charged with various offenses. Detective Superintendent Peter Faux stated that the search also uncovered a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device.

The police operation resulted in the dismantling of three separate syndicates across the city, with the seized drugs valued at over $9 million.

Nweke appeared in Bankstown Local Court on July 12, where bail was denied. The alleged runner faced court the same day as his arrest.