Five men and one woman have been charged in an Illawarra drug bust. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
More than half a million dollars in drugs and profits has been confiscated by police after a bust across Wollongong and Shellharbour.
Police have charged six people with 33 offences, and say they have dismantled a large-scale drug syndicate that was operating in the region.
It’s the culmination of months of investigations.
A NSW Police spokesperson said in October 2025 detectives attached to Lake Illawarra Police District established Strike Force Yetna to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs by criminal networks in the Illawarra.
“Following extensive investigations, about 7:10 am on Thursday (22 January), strike force detectives executed nine search warrants across properties in Farmborough Heights, Albion Park, Albion Park Rail, Primbee and Warilla,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.
“During the operation, police located and seized 1.18 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $390,000, 2.12kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of $53,000, 16 registered and two unregistered firearms, $98,939 in cash, four knuckle dusters, 15 vials of anabolic steroids, 223 packets of cigarettes and ammunition.
“Following the searches, five men – aged 47, 48, 28, 58, 69 – and a 42-year-old female were arrested and charged with 33 offences relating to the alleged supply of drugs and firearms.”
The 47-year-old man was arrested at a home on McCabe Street, Warilla.
The NSW Police spokesperson said during a search of the home, police seized cocaine, drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs.
The 47-year-old man was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged with 10 offences, including knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group and drug supply offences.
Another search warrant was executed at a home in Orchid Street, Albion Park Rail.
During the search, police seized a firearm, ammunition, cocaine, $2,635 cash, two Harley Davidson motorbikes, four e-bikes, two jet skis, a spa, and a 4WD.
The NSW Police spokesperson alleged these items are the proceeds of crime.
A 48-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged with six offences, including possessing an unauthorised firearm and possessing ammunition without holding a licence.
The two men appeared before Wollongong Bail Court on Friday (23 January).
The remaining three men and one woman were granted conditional bail to appear in Port Kembla Local Court next month.
Investigations under Strike Force Yetna continue.
