An alleged Serbian "crime syndicate" has been busted in Sydney after police uncovered information during their investigation into the 1994 disappearance of Revelle Balmain.
As part of the re-investigation, Strike Force Aramac officers uncovered a syndicate allegedly involved illegal drugs and dealing in stolen luxury goods.
Police executed four search warrants at Maroubra and Randwick, and a crime scene warrant in Surry Hills, from 6am yesterday.
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During the searches, officers allegedly found indoor hydroponic cannabis set-ups at three units at Randwick, containing a combined total of 102 cannabis plants and eight kilograms of dried cannabis.
The estimated potential street value of the cannabis seized is more than $400,000.
During the search at Maroubra, officers uncovered an "Aladdin's cave" of suspected stolen luxury goods, including designer handbags, clothing, shoes and watches, as well as high-end wine and spirits.
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The estimated potential street value of the luxury goods seized is more than $150,000.
Five men, aged between 50 and 65, were arrested during the operation and taken to Surry Hills Police Station.
They were charged with various offences and were all refused bail. They will appear in court today.
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Nobody has been charged over Ms Balmain's disappearance.
Ms Balmain, then aged 22, was last seen in the Kingsford area on Saturday, November 5, 1994.
A coronial inquest in 1999 found that Ms Balmain had died at the hands of a person or persons unknown.
Last year, a formal review of the case was conducted and a re-investigation under Strike Force Aramac is ongoing.
A $1 million reward remains in place for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Ms Balmain's disappearance and suspected murder, or information relating to the location of her remains.
Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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