Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke, a 49-year-old Nigerian immigration detainee, and his accomplice have been charged with operating a drug ring after police uncovered an alleged $9 million drug operation at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney.
According to New South Wales Police, Nweke used an encrypted messaging service and had established a network of runners outside the detention centre, whom he coordinated and tasked to deal large amounts of methylamphetamine and cocaine throughout Sydney.
Police found three mobile phones during a search of a unit at the detention centre on July 11, and subsequent searches uncovered 2kg of methylamphetamine and $169,000 in cash.
Patrick Nweke faces multiple charges, including leading a criminal organization and distributing a large commercial quantity of illegal drugs.
A 24-year-old man, reportedly working for Nweke, has been apprehended and charged with supplying prohibited drugs, participating in a criminal group, and other offenses.
Police said this week’s efforts led to the dismantling of three separate syndicates across the city, with the street value of the seized drugs exceeding $9 million.
Both men were refused bail after brief court appearances.
Join our Channel...