Nigerian National Arrested for Running Drug Operation from Sydney Detention Centre

A Nigerian national detained at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney has been charged by the Organised Crime Squad for allegedly orchestrating a high-level drug operation from within the facility.

NSW Police claim that the 49-year-old detainee, Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke, has been coordinating drug runners distributing methamphetamine and cocaine throughout Sydney. This operation came to light following a major crackdown by the criminal gang squad, highlighting the limitations of the Australian Border Force (ABF) in combating the illicit drug trade independently.

Commander Budhy Tanddo of ABF described the immigration system as having a “prison-like culture” where some detainees resort to standover tactics, while ABF’s search and seizure powers remain limited compared to those of the police.

Nweke faces charges of drug supply and directing a criminal group. NSW Police Organised Crime Squad boss, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, warned those associated with Nweke’s alleged syndicate that their time is running out.

Superintendent Faux stated that Nweke allegedly used encrypted messaging services to manage his drug operation, coordinating significant sales, including an attempted 2kg methamphetamine deal for $170,000.

During the investigation, detectives intervened to stop the sale and executed a search warrant at Villawood Detention Centre with ABF assistance, seizing three phones allegedly used by Nweke for his drug dealings.

The ABF has been working to ensure safety and security within the detention population, which includes individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. Despite limited powers, ABF collaborates with police to address the infiltration of illicit drugs and alcohol into the detention system, a situation compounded by a high degree of volatility and criminal experience among detainees.

“No matter where criminal syndicates are, there are no safe havens and no one we won’t investigate if they are dealing drugs in the community,” stated Superintendent Faux, affirming the continued efforts to dismantle such operations.