Alleged member of the ‘Assyrian Kings’ arrested over drug bust in Coffs Harbour
Tom Lowrey
Detective Inspector Darren Jameson with the drugs allegedly seized last night
Photo: Detective Inspector Darren Jameson with the drugs allegedly seized last night (Tom Lowrey)
Map: Coffs Harbour 2450
Police are investigating links between a drug bust on the NSW north coast and the ‘DLASTHR’ or ‘Assyrian Kings’ organised crime gang.
It’s alleged nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of crystal methylamphetamine was found in the roof lining of a car travelling through Coffs Harbour overnight.
The car was heading south on the Pacific Highway when it was pulled over and searched shortly after 3:00am (AEST) this morning.
It’s around 900 street deals, and it has a potential street value of up to $225 thousand
Detective Inspector Darren Jameson
Andre Kallita, 22, was arrested and charged with drug supply and possession offences, and faced Coffs Harbour Local Court earlier today.
He did not apply for bail, and the matter was adjourned until Friday.
Detective Inspector Darren Jameson said they will allege he is a confirmed member of the DLASTHR organisation.
“We’re assessing links between the offender and street gangs in the Sydney area, in particular a street gang based out of the Western Suburbs and south-west of Sydney, which is based to an ethnic group called the Assyrians,” he said.
Police in Sydney have run substantial operations targeting the DLASTHR group in recent years.
Detective Inspector Jameson said the drugs were being moved down the coastline.
“We don’t believe that Coffs Harbour was the destination, but this is another example of drugs being transported up and down the East Coast,” he said.
“Under our interdiction model we’ve been able to intercept those and take them off the street – and I’m very pleased about that.”
He said the amount seized was significant.
“It is a substantial quantity,” he said.
“It’s around 900 street deals, and it has a potential street value of up to $225 thousand.”
