Police Raid Leads to Charges Against Cleary’s Tenant
A recent police operation in Penrith has led to significant charges against Reece Iaria, a tenant of a property owned by NRL star Nathan Cleary. Iaria was taken into custody following a raid executed by the NSW Strike Force Torino, with assistance from the Raptor Squad and Dog Squad.
Details of the Police Raid
On Thursday morning, at approximately 6:50 AM AEDT, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at a property on Ladbury Avenue in Penrith. The raid uncovered various illegal substances and items. Iaria is now facing multiple charges due to the findings.
Charges Filed Against Reece Iaria
- Five counts of supplying prohibited drugs (indictable)
- Supply of prohibited drugs in a large commercial quantity
- Three counts of supplying prohibited drugs in a commercial quantity
- Two counts of possession of prohibited drugs
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain a prescribed restricted substance
- Possession of an unauthorised prohibited firearm
- Recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime
- Failure to comply with a digital evidence access order direction
During the search, police confiscated electronics, four grams of cocaine, testosterone, and 2 kilograms of lidocaine believed to be used in drug manufacturing. A Glock-style gel blaster pistol was also discovered concealed in a golf bag in the garage.
Context and Background
Reece Iaria, aged 28, has not been linked to any wrongdoing by Cleary. The property was purchased by Cleary as an investment in 2018 for $1.05 million, although he does not reside there. Iaria had been renting the property.
The relationship between Cleary and Iaria has been noted; both were previously photographed socializing together. In 2021, Iaria was among three men who illegally entered Queensland to watch Cleary play in the NRL grand final, resulting in fines but no criminal charges.
Iaria spent the night in custody and was denied bail, with his case scheduled to be heard in Penrith Local Court.
Upcoming NRL Season for Nathan Cleary
Nathan Cleary is set to begin his 2026 NRL season on March 6, with a highly anticipated rematch against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. The off-field developments concerning his tenant have raised questions, although there is no implication of Cleary’s involvement in any illegal activity.
