New South Wales Police has announced it will set up a new task force to coordinate efforts to arrest those behind several recent gang shootings in Western Sydney.
It comes as Rami Iskander was shot outside his Belmore home just before 4am on Saturday.
At least 11 people have been killed in gang-related crime in the state in less than two years.
Taskforce Erebus will manage resources of gang-fighting squads like Raptor and draw on the expertise of others in law enforcement, such as intelligence analysts, to examine the links between recent killings and the importation of illegal drugs, illicit firearms supply and vehicle theft, a police statement said.
The task force will be given a further 60 full-time officers to investigate the recent killings, including the death of Omar Zahed, who was shot at an Auburn gym last week, and the suspected murder of Salim Hamze and his father Toufik who were killed on their way to work at Guildford last October.
Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Fitzgerald said the crackdown aimed to protect innocent people.
“These public acts of violence are dangerous and while they are targeted, it will not be tolerated, "Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said.
“As such, police will not back down. We will continue to target anyone who shows a blatant disregard for community safety.”
Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said the shootings were directly related to the sale, distribution and importation of drugs into Australia, including heroin, ice and cocaine.
"What you have to understand is two tonnes in the last month has been seized. There will be repercussions to the person who organised those importations...there are people owed money," he said.
Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Bennett said officers were investigating the links between groups and possible motivations, with the new task force aiming to avoid duplication and crossover.
“We know the victims in these crimes associated in similar circles and this task force allows for centralised examination of how those connections relate to the shootings, and possible motivations,” Chief Superintendent Bennett said.
“It also allows for expert coordination of resources and high-pressure targeting of the criminality at the centre of the shootings."
He said police were not "resting on (their) laurels" despite the fatal shootings continuing, with the most recent on Saturday.
“We’ve already conducted numerous successful operations but due to their covert nature, I can only assure the public that we aren’t resting on our laurels," Chief Superintendent Bennett said.
He said police struggled to investigate the shootings, welcomed by a "wall of silence", by family and associates.
"Those connected to the victims, whether by blood, marriage or as an associate, are often unwilling to assist police, due to either misguided loyalties or fear of retribution."
He asked the community to report any information which could help to solve the recent murders.
