POLICE SMASH KINGS CROSS HEROIN RING

An FBI fugitive was among 13 alleged heroin racketeers arrested by
detectives in a day-long series of raids in Sydney's red light district.

Narcotics, firearms, cash and jewellery worth $700,000 were seized in
Monday's busts, a joint operation involving 82 NSW police and National Crime
Authority operatives.

Twin strike-force teams, codenamed Elan and Poido, pounced after word leaked
out about the syndicate expanding its activities, Kings Cross Chief
Inspector Jeff Steer said.

"They'd planned to spread their organisation to include the Town Hall - in
the city - Bondi and Wollongong areas," Insp Steer said.

"So we acted when we thought it was the right time to take the persons out."

Superintendent Bob Myatt said the operation smashed what police believe was
a major heroin distribution ring in Kings Cross.

"We expect it will have a significant impact on the heroin trade in the
area," he said.

Police also said they hoped the execution of 11 search warrants over an
18-hour period would assuage accusations they were doing little to stem the
tide of inner-city drug abuse.

"Needless to say, claims that police were not taking action on drugs in the
area have been misleading and completely incorrect," Mr Myatt said.

"Drug arrests in Kings Cross have doubled over the past 12 months with
nearly 1000 charges since July last year.

"The arrests made during this operation send a clear message to suppliers
and dealers that we are serious about cracking down on drugs."

It is believed the raids - the culmination of months of surveillance work -
began shortly after 3am (AEST) on Monday.

It is believed the group used juveniles as "runners" to sell imported
shipments of heroin, primarily on the streets of Kings Cross on a 24-hour basis.

Seven men, four women and a 16-year-old youth all faced Sydney courts
yesterday charged with a series of drug matters.