Teen charged over mistaken identity murder of Sydney tradie

In short:

Police have charged an 18-year-old over his alleged involvement in a deadly underworld attack last week.

The teenager is alleged to have carried drone surveillance during the fatal shooting of innocent tradie Joshua Macdonald in Merrylands West.

What's next?

The man is expected to appear before a bail court on Saturday.

Police have charged a teenager who allegedly provided drone surveillance during a mistaken identity underworld attack last week.

The 18-year-old was arrested in West Hoxton on Friday by the Raptor Squad and has been charged with murder over the death of Joshua Macdonald.

Police allege officers seized a drone linked to the man that showed his involvement in the killing of the much-loved Western Sydney tradesman.

Mr Macdonald, 40, was gunned down outside a home in Merrylands West in broad daylight on September 2.

Police sources have since told the ABC the intended target was a member of the notorious Alameddine crime family.

The gang's senior members remain in Lebanon, but police believe a recent surge in violence is linked to a feud between them and the "Coconut Cartel".

The cartel operates a crime network in Western Sydney from overseas and takes its name from a historical slur against Pasifika people.

Mr Macdonald's death marked the seventh mistaken identity fatality linked to the conflict over the past 18 months.

His death led to renewed focus on legislation targeting Sydney's underworld.

The 18-year-old was refused bail and is due to front a Sydney bail court on Saturday.

During the operation on Friday, a 19-year-old was also arrested and charged with participating in a criminal group and driving with a suspended licence.

He was granted bail in Liverpool Local Court and is expected to face court again later this month.