Ibrahim family targeted in Sydney raids, girlfriend and son among 17 arrested in international drug bust
The girlfriend and son of Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim are the latest to be arrested in raids carried out as part of an investigation into two international drug syndicates.
In total 17 people have been arrested during raids across the UAE, the Netherlands and Australia, including two of Ibrahim's brothers Michael and Fadi Ibrahim.
Nine men and one woman were arrested during raids in Sydney, including Ibrahim's grilfriend, 27-year-old model Sarah Budge, and his son Daniel Ibrahim.
Budge was allegedly caught with a glock pistol.
Her charge is not in relation to the alleged drug syndicates.
John Ibrahim's Dover Heights property was one of the 30 to be searched in Sydney on Tuesday but he was not arrested.
Ibrahim's lawyer said "he's a changed man".
"Whatever he might have been 20 years ago, he's a changed man today. He's not involved in crime. He does other things," he told media on Tuesday.
Ibrahim's brother Fadi infamously survived being shot five times in his Lamborghini and his other brother Michael was once jailed for stabbing a man to death.
Fadi and Michael Ibrahim were arrested in Dubai, leaving a restaurant.
Mustapha Dib, Steven Elmir and Hakan Aris were also arrested in Dubai. Extradition proceedings are now underway to return those five to Sydney.
Under UAE laws they'll have to be extradited within 60 days.
There were two arrested in The Hague in the Netherlands. Dutch police have released photos of a multi-million dollar pile of drugs siezed last month they say was destined for our shores.
The haul included 1.8 tonnes of MDMA, 136 kilograms of cocaine and 15 kilos of crystal meth.
Police have now allegedly dismantled two international, long running drug sydnicates and say it is "only the beginning" as they target organised criminals who operate overseas.
About two tonnes of illicit drugs, found during the raids, have now been stopped from reaching Australia.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said there was an incorrect perception among organised crime syndicates that once a person is overseas they are "untouchable".
Two of Michael Ibrahim's friends were also caught up in the mix and subesquently arrested.
Ryan Watsford was taken away at Rose Bay and Jaron Chester was arrested at Bellevue Hill.
Ahmed "Rock" Ahmad was put into handcuffs at Bankstown, previously investigated over tit for tat shootings that spiralled after brother Wally Ahmad was gunned down.
At Arncliffe, police arrested Hassan Fakhreddine. Many of those arrested in the stings will face court in Sydney on Wednesday
