Nine men have been charged by police authorities over their involvement in an alleged criminal network responsible for the distribution of heroin, crystal methamphetamine and firearms in the Illawarra.

The accused, ranging in age between 24 and 50, were apprehended yesterday after raids on four residences in Dapto, Cringila and Unanderra had been carried out.

Drugs, knives, samurai swords, cars, cash, guns, jewellery, motorised tools as well as electrical and fishing gear were allegedly discovered during the police searches.

Investigators are claiming the group of men had been selling crystal methamphetamine and heroin as well as other prohibited drugs plus unlicensed firearms.

During the arrests, two men were pulled over while driving their car at Dapto. Menawhole, as the other four suspects were arrested in their domiciles.

Charged with the several accusations are a 35-year-old Dapto man, a 24-year-old Dapto man, a 33-year-old Port Kembla man, a 27-year-old Farmborough Heights man, a 50-year-old Cringila man, a 48-year-old Warrawong man and a 40-year-old Dapto man. The men were all denied bail and were scheduled to make a Wollongong Local Court appearance in today.

A 36-year-old Dapto man as well as 36-year-old Corrimal man were both granted bail and are scheduled for a court appearance on December 15.

Meanwhile, police authorities are asking the Austalain public for information about the case. People can contact Lake Illawarra police on 4295 2699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.