A man has been charged after a search warrant was executed in Elwood on Tuesday as part of a Joint Taskforce Icarus investigation into alleged drug importation.
The investigation targeted the importation of commercial quantities of cocaine and of the subsequent trafficking of the drug.
During the investigation the Australian Border Force identified 14 detections of cocaine at the Melbourne International Gateway Facility.
In conjunction with these linked detections, members of Taskforce Icarus continued to work with international partners to identify the extent of the criminal operation.
The operation led to law enforcement agencies seizing more than six kilograms of cocaine.
A 23-year-old Elwood man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court yesterday and will appear again on 27 July.
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Darlow of the Victoria Police Organised Crime Division said this was yet another example of the joint commitment of Australian law enforcement to reduce the supply of drugs and to minimise the harm they caused to the Victorian community.
"Every day police see the harm that drugs such as cocaine cause," he said.
"To be able to make these seizures with the assistance of the ABF and AFP is absolutely a win for the community.
"Not only can drugs destroy the lives of users, they can also destroy the lives of those attempting to profit from their sale, when they are inevitably caught."
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Acting Commander Investigations Jayne Crossling said this operation is another example of how the AFP and its Commonwealth and state law enforcement partners continued to work hard to prevent dangerous drugs from reaching Australian communities, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The warning is clear - we remain committed to identifying, targeting and disrupting organised crime and will continue to prosecute those who attempt to import drugs into Australia," she said.
Taskforce Icarus is a joint agency initiative involving Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Home Affairs that targets those who seek to use the international mail and air cargo systems for criminal activity.
Australia's law enforcement agencies need the community's ongoing assistance to minimise the harm caused by drugs, and urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
