Nigerian Man Arrested in $9M Drug Ring Bust in Sydney

A 49-year-old Nigerian man, Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke, has been arrested in Sydney, Australia, for allegedly orchestrating a $9 million drug ring from an immigration detention centre. The operation was uncovered by the New South Wales Police, who claim Nweke used an encrypted messaging service to coordinate a network of runners outside the detention centre.

During a search of a unit at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre on July 11, police found three mobile phones believed to be linked to the alleged drug activities. This discovery led to subsequent raids across Sydney, resulting in the seizure of 2 kilograms of methamphetamine worth $165,000 and $169,000 in cash.

In one of the raids, a 24-year-old man, believed to be one of Nweke‘s runners, was apprehended while attempting to flush 750 grams of methamphetamine and 90 grams of heroin down a toilet. The police also seized $325,000 in cash during this operation.

Detective Superintendent Peter Faux highlighted the severity of the alleged crimes and the ongoing efforts by the police to dismantle organized drug networks operating within and outside detention facilities. “This week’s efforts led to the dismantling of three separate syndicates across the city, with the street value of the seized drugs exceeding $9 million,” he said.

Nweke and his accomplice have been charged with running a drug ring and are set to face court proceedings. The case has sparked outrage and concern among the public, with many questioning the security measures in place at immigration detention centres.