Coconut Cartel dismantled as police target leaders, foot soldiers and drug networks

#gridsparta #bikies #coconutcartel A major NSW Police operation has dealt a significant blow to the Coconut Cartel, with dozens of arrests, the seizure of 390 kilograms of methamphetamine worth an estimated $120 million, and investigations stretching across Australia and overseas. Police allege the cartel was responsible for a wave of gang violence across Sydney, including shootings, firebombings and intimidation attacks linked to an ongoing conflict with the Alameddine network. The operation centred on Strike Force Golporta and several other State Crime Command investigations targeting drug importation, firearms offences, arson, organised crime finances and violent retaliation. Among those arrested was alleged Australian cartel coordinator Henry Kupa, 27, who police claim acted as a key link between overseas leaders and local operatives. Authorities also arrested several alleged "foot soldiers" accused of carrying out drug trafficking, enforcement and logistical roles while senior figures remained hidden overseas. The cartel's alleged offshore leader, Lorenzo Lemalu, was shot dead in Vietnam shortly before the raids. His associate Sam Sauni survived the attack and remains in Vietnamese custody. With both men removed from the organisation, attention has shifted to wanted fugitive Anthony Pele, who police believe remains one of the cartel's most senior figures and is currently overseas. Investigators are also examining possible links between Lemalu's murder and the Sydney methamphetamine seizure. The case has expanded internationally, with alleged organised crime figure Daniel Rodney Badger emerging as a person of interest in wider investigations into drug trafficking networks operating across Australia and Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, Samoan nationals Joseph Vaa and Steve Tafa have been charged with Lemalu's murder. Authorities allege the pair travelled using fake Australian passports and were hired to carry out the assassination. Vietnamese police are now investigating who organised and funded the attack, with the accused potentially facing severe penalties if convicted. Meanwhile, police continue to target the Alameddine network. Investigators say senior figures, including wanted fugitive Rafat Alameddine, remain under pressure as authorities work with international partners to track offshore movements, financial links and suspected criminal associates. Despite the major arrests and drug seizures, police say the investigation remains active. Authorities believe the Coconut Cartel has been significantly weakened, but warn that further arrests are likely and that splinter groups could emerge as organised crime figures compete to fill the vacuum left behind. Follow Grid Sparta on Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GridSparta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GridSparta Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/GridSparta Reditt: https://www.reddit.com/r/Gridsparta