Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged four men as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged importation of ‘ice’ worth an estimated $3.75 million concealed in a power drive unit.
Last Wednesday (20 October 2021), officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) identified a consignment which arrived in Sydney from the Unites States of America (USA).
The air cargo consignment – which was declared to contain a power drive unit – was examined by ABF officers who noted inconsistencies.
During a subsequent deconstruction, the consignment was found to contain 15kg of an unknown substance.
The substance was tested and returned a presumptive positive result for methylamphetamine (ice), which has an estimated potential street value of $3.75 million.
Investigations were subsequently commenced by detectives from the NSW Police Force Drug and Firearms Squad, together with officers from ABF and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a business at The Horsley Drive, Fairfield, and two search warrants at properties at Cabramatta and Canley Vale yesterday (Thursday 28 October 2021).
During the searches, officers seized 15kg of methylamphetamine (ice), 6.2kg of cocaine, 1kg of heroin, $600,000 cash, heat sealing machines and other items.
The combined estimated potential street value of the drugs seized is more than $16 million.
All items seized during the operation will undergo further examination.
Four men – aged 32, 25 and two aged 24 – were arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station.
All four men were charged with attempting to import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug, supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and participate criminal group.
The men appeared at Fairfield Local Court yesterday, where they were refused bail to re-appear at the same court today (Friday 29 October 2021).
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist 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.
