Shootings trigger three-day operation targeting feuding criminal groups - Sydney Morning Herald

More than 100 people and vehicles have been searched and 17 charges laid in a three-day police operation responding to a spate of public shootings in Sydney’s south-west.

Police launched the high-visibility operation at 5pm on Friday, just hours before a home in Merrylands was sprayed with bullets. Five people were home, including two children.

NSW Police have been targeting criminal groups over three days through Operation Talon.Credit:NSW Police

Operation Talon was led by Fairfield City and Auburn police area commands, with the assistance of the Raptor Squad and officers from highway patrol, aviation and the dog unit.

The operation, which ends midnight Sunday, was tasked with disrupting conflicts between criminal groups by speaking with alleged members about public safety and the law.

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Police allegedly seized cocaine and steroids from one vehicle.Credit:NSW Police

Police enforced 44 firearm prohibition orders and searched 108 vehicles and 106 people. Fifty-six traffic infringements were issued, as well as eight vehicle defect notices and 17 charges laid.

Among those charged was 54-year-old Wayne Arya Subakti, who was stopped while driving a Mercedes AMG on the Cumberland Highway, Smithfield around 6.10pm on Saturday.

Police allegedly found cocaine and steroids in the vehicle.

He was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with five counts of possessing a prohibited drug. He was refused bail and scheduled to appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.

Also charged was a 22-year-old man who was allegedly speeding while driving a Hyundai 130 on Friday in Fairfield Heights. After a police pursuit the driver allegedly crashed the car into the garden of a home on Cathcart Street before fleeing.

He was later arrested at Green Valley police station and charged with multiple offences, including driving recklessly, engaging in a police pursuit and overtaking a vehicle when unsafe.

Operation Talon targeted criminal groups around south-west Sydney.Credit:NSW Police

The man appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday and was granted conditional bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on March 1.

Operation Talon was launched amin ongoing efforts to stamp out a feud between rival gangs. The house shooting in Merrylands on Friday night is the latest in a string of violent incidents, however the house is not believed to have been the intended target.

Police believe the perpetrators were likely aiming for a neighbouring residence linked to some members of the Alameddine family, which has been targeted by shootings and police raids before.

Some Alameddines have been involved in a dangerous tit-for-tat conflict with the Hamzy gang – tensions that allegedly escalated with a suspected theft of drugs and assault.

Over the weekend police also issued $8200 in fines to Havana Lounge on The Horsley Drive, Wetherill Park, after a number of licensing breaches were allegedly detected. Three patrons were also issued infringements for parking illegally in disabled parking spaces.

The venue is not accused of any involvement in recent violent incidents but is allegedly frequented by members of conflicting groups.

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2021-02-21 02:27:24Z
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