Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged an additional four men as part of ongoing investigations into the largest detection of methamphetamine at the Australian border.
Last year, detectives attached to the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad commenced Strike Force Chellington to investigate the importation of illicit drugs into NSW.
Acting on intelligence, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined a number of sea cargo containers, which had arrived into Port Botany in July.
During a subsequent deconstruction of the consignment, it was found to contain 814kg of methamphetamine concealed within marble stone.
ABF officers examined a number of additional containers, which arrived via sea cargo in August, which was deconstructed and found to contain 1060kg of methylamphetamine concealed in the same marble stone method.
In total, more than 2000kg of 'ice' – which has an estimated potential street value of more than $1 billion – has been detected and seized during this investigation.
Strike force investigators have charged seven men – aged between 21 and 34 – as part of this ongoing investigation; they remain before the courts.
As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives – assisted by officers from the Raptor Squad, South West Metropolitan Operational Support Group, and the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed four Commonwealth search warrants at homes in Auburn, Lidcombe, and Berala about 6.30am yesterday (Wednesday 11 January 2023).
During the warrants, police seized approximately 1.5kg of methamphetamine, about $100,000 cash, 100kg of illicit tobacco, electronic devices and documentation; all items will undergo further forensic examination.
Four men – aged 29, 35, 40, and 42 – were arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station.
The 29-year-old man was charged with attempted possess commercial quantity unlawful import: border controlled drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 40-year-old man was charged with attempted possess commercial quantity unlawful import: border controlled drug, supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 42-year-old man was charged with attempted possess commercial quantity unlawful import: border controlled drug, and knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime.
All three men were refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Thursday 12 January 2023).
The 35-year-old man was charged with knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime and was granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 2 February 2023.
Anyone with information about organised crime and drug supply is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
