A major police operation in Wollongong has led to the arrest of a 56-year-old Sydney man and the seizure of significant quantities of drugs and cash. Authorities say the arrest follows months of surveillance targeting drug supply networks in the Helensburgh area.
Police confirmed the man was taken into custody on Friday morning at a property on Cemetery Road, Helensburgh, where officers recovered two bags of cocaine. The arrest was part of Strike Force Template, an operation established in January 2025 to disrupt the commercial supply of cocaine and cannabis across the region.
Following the arrest, officers executed two separate search warrants at a residential property and a nearby storage shed. The searches uncovered commercial quantities of cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, and nearly $90,000 in cash. Police also seized a caravan, which investigators allege was obtained through the proceeds of crime.
In total, investigators recovered:
- Multiple bags of cocaine
- Cannabis in significant quantities
- MDMA
- $89,500 in cash
- A caravan allegedly linked to criminal profits
The man was transported to Wollongong Police Station and formally charged with 11 offences. The charges include:
- Supply of prohibited drug greater than or equal to commercial quantity
- Eight counts of supply prohibited drug greater than indictable but less than commercial quantity
- Two counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime
Authorities allege the suspect played a key role in the supply of multiple drugs across Helensburgh and surrounding areas. Detectives believe the cash and seized assets demonstrate the scale of the alleged operation.
A spokesperson for Wollongong Police District said the arrests reflect the success of ongoing efforts to disrupt organised criminal activity in the region. “This operation highlights our commitment to targeting those involved in the commercial supply of prohibited drugs. The recovery of drugs and almost $90,000 in suspected proceeds of crime sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.
Police confirmed that investigations into the broader supply network are continuing and further arrests are possible. Strike Force Template will remain active as detectives follow leads into the distribution of cocaine, cannabis, and MDMA across New South Wales.
The man was refused bail and is expected to appear before Wollongong Local Court. If convicted, he faces lengthy prison sentences under NSW law, which imposes strict penalties for the commercial supply of prohibited substances.
Helensburgh residents expressed concern about the scale of the alleged drug activity in their community. Authorities reassured locals that further operations are planned to ensure the safety of the region and dismantle the networks responsible for trafficking.
For now, the focus remains on prosecuting the 56-year-old Sydney man and determining the full scope of the drug network uncovered during the strike force investigation.
