A Werribee man, 27, was sentenced by the Melbourne County Court today (3 July, 2026) to 17 years' imprisonment for the attempted importation of 63kg of methamphetamine, money laundering and drug trafficking offences.
He will be eligible for parole after serving 11 years and six months.
The man was charged following an investigation by the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, which comprises of members from the AFP, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and Department of Home Affairs.
The man previously pleaded guilty to:
- One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) by virtue of section 11.1;
- One count of dealing with money believed to be, proceeds of crime of more than $100,000, contrary to section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- One count of trafficking a large commercial quantity of drug of dependence, namely ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine and methlylenedioxy (MDMA) contrary to section 71(1) of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic); and
- One count of trafficking a drug of dependence, namely MDMA, contrary to section 71AC of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic).
AFP Detective Inspector Chris Salmon said the AFP would continue to target and disrupt organised crime, and pursue those who seek to profit from crime.
"This offender played a deliberate role in a criminal enterprise driven by profit, with no regard for the damage inflicted on individuals and the broader community," Det Insp Salmon said.
"Organised crime groups see Australia as a high-value market, but the AFP and our partners are equally determined to disrupt and dismantle these operations.
"The AFP remains committed to targeting every stage of the drug supply chain, from international importation through to domestic distribution."
Victoria Police Detective Acting Inspector Matt Illingworth expressed concern about the continued demand for illicit drugs in Australia.
"The harm caused by these illegal substances is far-reaching. It extends well beyond those who use them and can have lifelong impacts on innocent members of the community," Det a/Insp Illingworth said.
"Victoria Police, working alongside our law enforcement and intelligence partners, will continue to relentlessly target high-level organised crime groups involved in the trafficking, importation and distribution of illicit drugs."
ABF Acting Superintendent Peter Alderson said ABF officers would hold to account those who attempt to traffic illicit drugs into Australia.
"Criminal networks exploiting legitimate supply chains will be identified, targeted and disrupted through ongoing cooperation across jurisdictions," a/Supt Alderson said.
"This outcome reinforces that those involved in coordinating large-scale drug movements will face serious consequences under Australian law."
