Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged two additional men as part of ongoing investigations into the largest detection of methylamphetamine at the Australian border.
Earlier this 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 748kg of methylamphetamine concealed within marble stone.
Strike force investigators seized the drugs and commenced further investigations, which resulted in the arrest and charge of three men – aged 24, 26 and 34. They remain before the courts.
As part of ongoing inquiries, ABF officers examined an additional number of containers, which arrived via sea cargo at Port Botany last month.
Specialist officers deconstructed the consignment and located 1060kg of methylamphetamine concealed in the same marble stone method.
In total, more than 1800kg of ‘ice’ – which has an estimated potential street value of more than $1.6 billion – has been detected and seized during this investigation.
Following further investigation, three men – aged 24, 26 and 27 – were arrested at Burwood Police Station about 6pm yesterday (Thursday 8 September 2022).
The older man, from Victoria, was charged with attempted import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug, attempted possess commercial quantity unlawful import border-controlled drug, attempted take part supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The younger man, from Burwood, was charged with possess commercial quantity unlawful import border-controlled drug, attempted take part supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Friday 9 September 2022).
The 26-year-old man was released pending further inquiries.
Further forensic analysis will be undertaken and investigations under Strike Force Chellington continue – in conjunction with ABF and the Australian Federal Police.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Chellington investigators 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.
