Backpack full of cash: surprising discovery leads to drug network arrests

Police arrested three men and one woman in Sydney's eastern suburbs on May 20 over their alleged involvement in a methamphetamine and GBL supply ring.

Detectives arrested the first suspect at 10am on May 20. The 44-year-old man was on New Canterbury Road in Petersham when he was stopped by investigators.

Police found $30,000 in cash in his backpack and a further $1900 on his person.

Detectives conducted a number of search warrants in Sydney following the arrest.

A 47-year-old woman was arrested in Rose Bay, and small amounts of methamphetamine, GBL and cannabis were seized.

A 60-year-old was arrested in Petersham, where officers seized electronic devices and a small amount of methamphetamine.

Police also searched a home in Bondi. A 51-year-old man, who returned home during the search, was arrested.

Detectives will allege in court that the three men "played various roles" in a criminal syndicate supplying drugs interstate.

The woman was charged with entering or leaving a drug premises and was granted conditional bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on June 6.

The 44-year-old man was charged with 15 counts of supplying prohibited drugs, four counts of possessing prohibited drugs, participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity, organising, conducting or assisting a drug premises, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.

The 60-year-old man was charged with four counts of supplying a prohibited drug, four counts of knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, and possessing a prohibited drug.

The 51-year-old was charged with 25 counts of supplying a prohibited drug, organising, conducting or assisting a drug premises, and participating in a criminal group that contributes to criminal activity.

All three men were refused bail to appear before court on May 21.

The interstate drug supply investigation is continuing, police said.