Police say they have all but dismantled the Coconut Cartel, following the arrest of its alleged on-shore leader and a series of raids across Sydney, including a major drug bust earlier this year.
Police revealed that in a major drug bust at an Emu Plains warehouse in April they seized more than 400 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The coordinated search warrants continued yesterday morning across Quakers Hill, Edensor Park and Blacktown, resulting in nine arrests.
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"For a long time, we've been playing catch-up. For the first time, we think we're on par," Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook said.
Among the arrests was 27-year-old Henry Kupa, an alleged senior leader within the Coconut Cartel, who was allegedly linked to the Emu Plains warehouse raid.
Yesterday, police arrested "middlemen" accused of distributing drugs for the gang.
A prison officer who was allegedly helping the gang locate their targets was also arrested and remains before the courts.
This month alone, detectives have locked up a dozen alleged foot soldiers, mostly contract criminals, including teenage boys and women.
"This investigation has reaffirmed the role that organised crime figures who are offshore play and in terms of directing the violence in NSW," Cook said.
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"The investigation has uncovered trusted insiders.
"[They] do not know who's asking, do not know what it's for, however, they continue to commit offences in terms of supporting the organised crime network."
Three of the men, 27-year-old Isoa Moi Moi, 25-year-old Sione Tupou and 29-year-old Eric Hemma, faced Blacktown Local Court earlier today on charges including drug supply and participating in a criminal group.
Authorities allege the organised crime network is behind a spate of shootings, kidnappings, and attempted murders over the past 18 months in a violent feud against the Alameddine crime network.
The Coconut Cartel includes former members of the Mount Druitt street gang KVT who were once muscle for the Alameddines before a bitter falling out.
Lorenzo Lemalu was previously at the top of the Coconut Cartel's hierarchy before he was assassinated in Vietnam last week, leaving wanted fugitive Anthony Pele as the most senior figure of the gang.
Pele is based in South-East Asia, sending orders to alleged onshore leader Henry Cupa, who police arrested last month in relation to the drugs found at Emu Plains.
