Arrest after man’s body found in shallow grave near Dural

A man has been arrested after the body of a man, linked to Sydney’s drug trade, was found partially buried in a paddock on the city’s north-western fringe.

A family member directed police to the body of Johnny Birch, 40, partially buried in a paddock near a home at Gleness Place in Glenorie on Friday morning. The family member had reported him missing about 9pm on March 13.

A manhunt has been taking place around the ordinarily quiet suburb of Dural since.

NSW Police arrested a man on Sunday. He is being interviewed at Castle Hill police station and no charges have yet been laid.

A relative of Birch, who asked to remain anonymous, said a cousin of Birch had found his body after becoming concerned for his welfare. It is unclear how long Birch’s body had been in the paddock or when he was killed.

“He’d been missing for a short time, and they went looking for him,” the relative said. “They obviously knew something about where he was going.”

The relative said Birch had served several stints in prison and had links to the drug trade. “He had a few issues,” they said. “He was a good family man but … what he did [outside] of family was a bit shaky.”

Two men, aged 24 and 34, and a 35-year-old woman were arrested at the property on 14 March but released the following morning. None were charged.