THREE men have been charged over the alleged importation of 130 kilograms of methylamphetamine into New South Wales on a ship.
Australian Border Force officers intercepted a consignment from Malaysia in late January this year, said to contain bathroom accessories and tiles.
When the consignment was examined, 130 kilograms of a substance believed to be methylamphetamine was found concealed in slabs of paraffin wax.
Authorities estimate the street value of the drugs is more than $115 million.
In December last year, under Strike Force Guelphs, officers from the State Crime Command’s Drugs and Firearms Squad began investigating an organised criminal syndicate involved the supply of prohibited drugs.
The strike force investigators seized the methylamphetamine consignment and began further investigations with the Australian Federal Police.
Following extensive inquiries, officers arrested three men – one 30-year-old and two 31-year-olds – on Wednesday 8 February.
Strike force detectives and AFP officers carried out four search warrants in Auburn, West Ryde and Haymarket, where they seized identification documents and around $20,000 in cash.
All three men were taken to Burwood Police Station and charged with import commercial quantity of border controlled drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The three men were refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 9 February.
State Crime Command drug and firearms squad Acting Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Gordon, said the group was identified through ongoing investigations into another criminal syndicate.
“Organised criminals operate sophisticated networks to import and supply these prohibited drugs into NSW,” Det Acting Supt Gordon said.
“We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those involved in this sort of activity.
“The only realistic outcome for involvement in organised crime is years in gaol and the loss of homes, cars, and anything else gained as a result.”
ABF Superintendent Mal Nimmo said organised crime groups seek to infiltrate the border through “all kinds of audacious methods”.
“That’s why our ABF officers work day and night to toughen the Australian border against this type of criminal activity, and we will relentlessly continue to do so,” Supt Nimmo said.
“This result speaks volumes to the strength of the partnership we have with our state and federal law enforcement colleagues and highlights yet again that those seeking to break the law have nowhere to hide.”
AFP Detective Superintendent Narelle Mitchell said the AFP plans to focus on using its international network to identify those responsible for sourcing and sending the drugs to Australia.
“This is a dangerous time to be part of an organised crime group involved in the drug trade in Australia, because we are focused, relentless and will use every tool we have to target you in multiple, innovative ways.”
