A Kellyville man will reappear at court today, charged over the alleged importation of a large quantity of border controlled precursors following an investigation by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
On Monday 22 January 2024, ABF officers identified two consignments which arrived via air cargo, with the packages described to be containing mugs.
During a deconstruction of the consignments, officers located about 15kg of MDP-2-P ethyl glycidate – a precursor used in the manufacture of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) – concealed inside.
Following further inquiries, ABF Investigations NSW officers executed Customs Act 1901 search and seizure warrants at a Kellyville home on Wednesday 24 January 2024.
The NSW Police Force Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit also attended the property to secure further unidentified substances, which are suspected to be used for the domestic manufacture of border-controlled drugs.
Other drug paraphernalia, two replica firearms, and more than $25,000 cash were also seized during the warrants.
A 43-year-old man was arrested at the property and subsequently charged with three counts of importing border controlled precursors, contrary to section 307.13 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday 25 January 2024, where he was refused bail to reappear at the same court today (Thursday 21 March 2024).
ABF Investigations NSW Superintendent Brett Totten said through the swift action of the ABF, an estimated half a million dollars’ worth of illicit drugs will not reach Sydney streets.
“The ABF is committed to maintaining a hostile border environment for those seeking to import goods which can bring harm to the community,” Superintendent Totten said.
“Our detection processes, whether it be by land, air, or sea, are extremely thorough – monitoring and intercepting illegal substances which may have otherwise been used to fund organised crime.
“In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, the ABF will continue to investigate and prevent these dangerous materials from entering Australia, while actively pursuing the criminal prosecution of those responsible”.
People in the community can also report suspicious border-related activity at any time through Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously at www.borderwatch.gov.au.
