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.

A dark-haired, bearded man stands with his arm around a smiling middle-aged woman in a living room.

Joshua Macdonald, pictured with his aunt Darlene, was 40 years old. (Supplied)

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.

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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.