A man from Sydney's northern suburbs is scheduled to appear before the NSW Bail Division Court today (20 February, 2026), charged with drug possession and manufacturing offences.
Investigations began in November, 2025, after the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) in Ho Chi Minh City seized a consignment of ephedrine destined for Australia.
AFP inquiries into the consignment led police to an Eastwood man, 20, who was charged last week with allegedly attempting to import 3kg of ephedrine into Australia from Laos.
A mobile phone seized by investigators allegedly contained information about a suspected clandestine laboratory operating in Sydney.
On 19 February, 2026, the AFP, with the specialist assistance of the NSW Police Force Drug & Firearms Squad Chemical Operations team, executed a search warrant in Eastwood.
Police found and seized items including:
- 6kg of 3-Phenyl-2-methyl glycidic acid;
- Small amounts of methamphetamine;
- 5kg of vapes;
- Paraphernalia used for drug manufacturing; and
- An electronic device.
An Eastwood man, 24, was charged with:
- One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled precursor, contrary to subsections 307.11 and 11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- One count of possessing precursors for the manufacture or production of prohibited drugs, contrary to section 24A(1)(a) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW);
- One count of possession of certain apparatus for the manufacture or production of prohibited drugs, contrary to contrary to section 24A(1)(b) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW); and
- One count of supplying prohibited drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 25(1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW).
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment for the attempted importation.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Robert Jenner said criminal syndicates involved in drug manufacturing put their thirst for greed above the safety of the community.
"Precursors like ephedrine are used to manufacture harmful illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, which has a devastating impact on Australia's economy, health care system and community," Det a/Supt Jenner said.
"Manufacturing illicit drugs is a dangerous task and poses a significant health and safety risk to those near it.
"The AFP remains committed to targeting, identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the importation of illegal drugs and precursors."
