A 49-year-old Nigerian man, Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke, has been arrested in Sydney, Australia, for allegedly running a $9 million drug ring from an immigration detention center. The operation was uncovered by New South Wales Police, who claim Nweke used an encrypted messaging service to coordinate a network of fugitives outside the detention center.
During a search of a unit at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre on 11 July, police found three mobile phones believed to be linked to alleged drug activities. The discovery led to further raids across Sydney, seizing 2kg of methamphetamine worth $165,000 and $169,000 in cash.
During one of the raids, a 24-year-old man, believed to be one of Nweke’s fugitives, was arrested while attempting to flush 750 grams of methamphetamine and 90 grams of heroin down the toilet. Police also seized $325,000 in cash during the operation.
Nigerian man arrested for allegedly running $9m drug ring from Australian immigration detention centre
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Inspector Peter Faux highlighted the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the ongoing efforts by police to dismantle organised drug networks operating inside and outside detention facilities.Efforts this week have resulted in the dismantling of three separate organisations across the city, with the street value of the drugs seized exceeding $9 million.“, he say.
Nweke and his co-defendants have been charged with running a drug ring and are set to stand trial. The case has sparked public outrage and concern, with many questioning security measures at immigration detention centres.
