A man has faced court as a joint-agency investigation continues into the seizure of approximately 150kg of pseudoephedrine which has an estimated potential street value of $7.5 million.
In May 2021, officers from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, together with Australian Border Force (ABF) and the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), commenced an investigation under Strike Force Nilland after a suspicious imported consignment was intercepted by the ABF in Sydney.
When the consignment was examined, it was found to contain 41kg of pseudoephedrine concealed within metal pallets.
As part of inquiries, ABF officers intercepted further packages and located 49kg of pseudoephedrine concealed in bags of desiccated coconut; and 48kg of pseudoephedrine concealed inside mattresses.
In total, the pseudoephedrine has an estimated potential street value of $7.5 million.
Police will allege investigations under Strike Force Nilland identified a criminal syndicate involved in the importation, storage and supply of pseudoephedrine across Sydney.
During the investigation, strike force detectives charged a 36-year-old man. He remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, detectives arrested a second man, also aged 36, at Sydney International Airport about 9.30pm on Tuesday (18 January 2022).
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with three counts of import commercial quantity border-controlled precursor.
The Seven Hills man appeared at Central Local Court yesterday (Wednesday 19 January 2022), where he was refused bail to appear at the same court on Wednesday 16 March 2022.
Investigations under Strike Force Nilland are continuing.
