Trent Merrin Faces Peptide Manufacturing Charges After Shell Cove Raid
Former NRL player Trent Merrin has been charged with participating in a criminal group and manufacturing illegal peptides following a police raid in Shell Cove, south of Sydney. New South Wales Police stated that detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a property in the Illawarra region on July 24, uncovering an alleged clandestine peptide manufacturing facility and large quantities of restricted substances.
Mr Merrin, 37, was arrested at Surry Hills Police Station about 8 am on Tuesday, November 3, police said. The former St George Illawarra Dragons player faces five counts of manufacturing goods for use in humans resulting in harm or injury, alongside one count of participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity. Police granted him conditional bail to appear at the Wollongong Local Court on November 24.
Investigation Details and Prior Arrests Under Strike Force Antree
Strike Force Antree was established in July by detectives from the Organised Crime Squad working alongside Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), according to NSW Police. The joint operation targeted the alleged illegal manufacture, supply, and distribution of peptides. Regulators describe illegal peptides as short chains of amino acids that lack evaluation or regulatory approval, noting their growing online promotion for muscle growth and weight loss.
Police previously arrested a 39-year-old man on August 14 in connection with the same facility. That individual received four counts of manufacturing goods for use in humans resulting in harm or injury, appeared at the Downing Centre Local Court on September 30, and has since had his matter finalised in court. Inquiries under Strike Force Antree remain ongoing.
Former player intends to contest allegations
Paul McGirr, solicitor for Mr Merrin, stated that his client intends to contest the allegations. “We will request a brief of evidence and take it from there,” Mr McGirr said, confirming that a not-guilty plea will be entered.
The former prop avoided conviction in December 2025 after pleading guilty to charges related to a $140,000 cryptocurrency theft from a former teammate, receiving an 18-month community release order without conviction. During his professional athletic career, Mr Merrin played 235 games for the St George Illawarra Dragons and Penrith Panthers, made 13 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales, played seven tests for Australia, and had a brief stint with the Leeds Rhinos in the English Super League.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Strike Force Antree Investigation
What specific charges has Trent Merrin received?
Mr Merrin faces five counts of manufacturing goods for use in humans resulting in harm or injury and one count of participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
When must Mr Merrin next appear in court?
He was granted conditional bail to appear at the Wollongong Local Court on November 24.
Former NRL player Trent Merrin has been charged by police with allegedly participating in the manufacture of peptides at a home in Shell Cove. He’ll appear in court on November 24 where his lawyer Paul McGirr says he will plead not guilty, claiming there is no evidence linking…
Which regulatory body assisted the New South Wales Police in this operation?
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) worked alongside the Organised Crime Squad to establish Strike Force Antree.
Where was the alleged clandestine laboratory located?
Police uncovered the facility during a raid on a property in Shell Cove, located in the Illawarra region south of Sydney, on July 24.
Former NRL premiership winner Trent Merrin has been charged over an alleged illicit peptide syndicate after police allegedly uncovered a clandestine manufacturing lab at Shell Cove, south of Wollongong. Click the link below for more details on the allegations. pic.twitter.com/QU15cm9PC0
Related reading