Police have seized 1,350 tins of stolen baby formula and arrested a 53-year-old Sydney man in relation to an alleged organised theft syndicate targeting pharmacies across Sydney.
Detectives from Auburn Police Area Command commenced their investigation after receiving information regarding an organised retail theft syndicate targeting baby formula, and other pharmaceutical items.
Police believe the items were being stolen and then exported overseas.
Following extensive inquiries, a 53-year-old man was arrested at a shopping centre carpark on Queen Street near Harrow Road, Auburn, about 11.45am yesterday.
A search warrant was executed at the man’s home in Greystanes, where officers seized 350 tins of baby formula, 42 bottles of vitamins and 47 tubs of menthol rub – all believed to have been stolen.
Around 2pm, a second search warrant was executed at a storage facility on Parramatta Road, Homebush, where detectives arrested a 40-year-old man and seized a further 1000 tins of baby formula, 1000 bottles of vitamins, 300 tubs of pawpaw cream and 100 electric toothbrushes.
Items seized at both locations are believed to be worth an estimated $100,000.
A third search warrant was executed at an apartment on Gibbons Street, Auburn, later yesterday afternoon where police seized clothing.
Both men were taken to Auburn Police Station, where the older man was charged with shoplifting. Police will allege he was facilitating the theft of the baby formula and pharmaceutical items.
The younger man was charged with theft-related charges. Police will allege he was receiving stolen goods and exporting them overseas.
Both men were granted conditional bail to appear in Burwood Local Court on Thursday November 12.
