Three men have been arrested in Western Australia and police have seized approximately $650,000 in cash and a kilogram of cocaine following an investigation into the alleged Australian arm of an international drug trafficking syndicate.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation began when members of an international drug syndicate were identified allegedly attempting to source 10 kilograms of cocaine to import into Australia.
On 19 February 2019, the AFP with the assistance of Western Australia Police executed search warrants in Silver Sands and Meadow Springs near Mandurah in WA, arresting three men who police will allege are part of the drug syndicate, seizing $650,000 in cash, approximately one kilogram of cocaine with an estimated street value of $375,000 and a number of mobile phones.
The men aged 46, 23 and 26 have been charged with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of drugs, trafficking in a controlled drug and money laundering offences. These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The men are expected to face the Perth Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, 20 February 2019).
AFP Detective Superintendent Timothy Underhill said police will allege the attempted importation was organised by an international criminal syndicate operating in Australia.
"We are currently assessing evidence collected throughout the investigation and this may lead to further operational activity and arrests," Supt Underhill said.
"The seizure of such a large quantity of cash has significantly impacted their ability to finance future criminal activity.
"The strength of police to impact organised crime in Western Australia is evidenced in the successful collaboration between the AFP and WA Police and should serve as a considerable deterrent to criminal syndicates."
*The AFP uses the ACIC Illicit Drug Data Report (www.acic.gov.au) as the consistent publication for illicit substances in Australia. This figure is the basis of calculating both the monetary value of the illicit drug were it to be sold at the end of the supply chain or 'on the street', and the number of related street deals. This is based on available price data and may not be reflective of what would generally be considered as a street deal for this drug type.
