More than 100 members of the serious organized crime squad conducted a raid in Drummoyne, speaking to about 100 residents, seizing $30,000 cash, and searching seven people and five cars. The squad was responding to threats from other criminal networks, with lower end associates serving as protection for the alleged leaders. These associates are stationed outside homes to prevent attacks from rival networks and are willing to stop and harass anyone in the vicinity. Police sources revealed that two men, Omar Haouchar and Ayman Manly, underwent firearm prohibition compliance checks during the raid, with both being compliant and facing no charges.
Omar Haouchar, brother of alleged syndicate commander Bilal Haouchar, was one of the individuals checked by police. Bilal Haouchar was arrested in Lebanon last November and has not been charged in Australia. Another brother, Nedal Haouchar, was charged with large commercial cocaine supply and dealing with millions of dollars in suspected proceeds of crime upon his arrival at Sydney’s International Airport. While many key members of the Haouchar syndicate have been arrested or fled overseas, NSW Police are focusing on those remaining in Australia, vowing not to be intimidated by their presence in the community. This raid was not the first in Drummoyne, with similar operations more commonly seen in Sydney’s south-west.
Following the raid in Drummoyne, police plan to return after receiving valuable information from residents. Assistant Commissioner Mick Koutsoufis mentioned that the locals were cooperative and provided interesting details that police will follow up on. This return visit will aim to verify the information gained and investigate further. Koutsoufis also addressed reports of previous police activity in the area, attributing them to residents potentially being on edge about knowing who lives in their neighborhood. Despite the scale of the raid, it was well-received by the community, who were glad to see police in the area.
The security presence in Drummoyne was linked to heightened tensions between rival criminal networks and the need for protection against potential threats. These lower-end associates serve as a form of defense for the alleged leaders, alert to any looming danger from competing networks. While no charges were laid during the raid, police were vigilant in their checks and enforcement efforts to uphold safety and security in the community. The Haouchar family, particularly brothers Omar and Nedal, have faced legal troubles related to drug supply and proceeds of crime, with authorities actively pursuing them to prevent criminal activities.
NSW Police’s dog squad was utilized during the raid in Drummoyne, adding an extra layer of security and assistance in the operation. The focus on those still in Australia from the Haouchar syndicate signifies the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime and safeguard communities from criminal influence. By utilizing information gathered during the raid, police intend to further investigate and potentially uncover any additional criminal activities or networks operating in the area. The presence of police in Drummoyne, despite residents’ initial apprehension, underscores the necessity of law enforcement intervention in combating criminal elements and maintaining public safety.
