Sydney – Two Tongan men are believed to be among several individuals facing serious charges after Australian police dealt a major blow to the Coconut Cartel in a sweeping series of Sydney raids.
The Sydney-based organised crime syndicate is known for its violent operations, having broken away from the Alameddine crime family and engaging in a bitter and ongoing feud for control of the illicit drug trade in western Sydney.
The Coconut Cartel’s dismantling comes as police investigate whether the death of 28-year-old Tongan Alai Ahio earlier this month is linked to a violent territorial turf war between the group and the rival Alameddine crime network.
Authorities revealed that a major breakthrough earlier this year significantly disrupted the Coconut Cartel, when more than 400 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during a large-scale police operation at an Emu Plains warehouse in April.
The crackdown intensified this week as police executed search warrants across Quakers Hill, Edensor Park, and Blacktown, resulting in nine arrests.
Police say they have all but dismantled the Coconut Cartel, following the arrest of its alleged on-shore leader and a series of raids across Sydney, including a major drug bust earlier this year.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook acknowledged the scale of the operation and the shift in momentum for law enforcement.
“For a long time, we’ve been playing catch-up. For the first time, we think we’re on par,” he said.
Among those arrested was 27-year-old Henry Kupa, identified by police as an alleged senior leader within the Coconut Cartel. He is believed to be directly linked to the Emu Plains warehouse operation and is accused of coordinating activities on behalf of offshore figures.
Police also moved against individuals described as “middlemen,” who allegedly played key roles in distributing drugs throughout Sydney. A prison officer accused of assisting the gang by identifying targets has also been arrested and remains before the courts.
Detectives say the investigation has led to the arrest of at least a dozen alleged “foot soldiers” this month alone. These individuals are said to include contract criminals, among them teenagers and women, highlighting the syndicate’s ability to recruit across different groups.
Cook pointed to the role of international figures in orchestrating the network’s activities from abroad.
“This investigation has reaffirmed the role that organised crime figures who are offshore play and in terms of directing the violence in NSW,” he said.
He added:
“The investigation has uncovered trusted insiders.
“[They] do not know who’s asking, do not know what it’s for, however, they continue to commit offences in terms of supporting the organised crime network.”
Tongan Men Face Charges
Among those brought before Blacktown Local Court were 27-year-old Isoa Moimoi and 25-year-old Sione Tupou, who Kaniva News understands are of Tongan descent, along with 29-year-old Eric Hemma. They face charges including drug supply and participating in a criminal group.
Authorities allege the Coconut Cartel has been behind a wave of violent incidents across New South Wales over the past 18 months, including shootings, kidnappings, and attempted murders. The violence is believed to stem from an ongoing feud with the Alameddine crime network.
Police say the syndicate has roots in western Sydney, with links to former members of the Mount Druitt street gang KVT. These individuals were once aligned with the Alameddine network before a bitter split led to escalating hostilities.
The group’s leadership structure has also been shaken in recent weeks. Lorenzo Lemalu, previously considered at the top of the cartel hierarchy, was assassinated in Vietnam last week. His death has reportedly left fugitive Anthony Pele, believed to be operating from Southeast Asia, as the most senior remaining figure.
Investigators allege Pele continued to issue directives to operatives in Australia, including Henry Kupa, who has now been taken into custody.
The arrests and seizures mark one of the most significant actions taken against organised crime networks operating between Australia and the Pacific, with authorities signalling that further investigations are ongoing.
