Two men have been charged as part of ongoing investigations by Organised Crime Squad detectives into the importation of 400kg of methylamphetamine and heroin, which was concealed in tea bags.
In June (2021) detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, together with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), established Strike Force Nandewar to investigate the activities of a criminal syndicate suspected to be involved in the importation of prohibited drugs.
Their inquiries uncovered the successful importation of 225kg of methamphetamine and 175kg of heroin from Malaysia in an airfreight consignment on 23 March 2021, which was concealed within tea bags.
The total estimated street value of the drugs is more than $250 million.
Following extensive inquiries, a 47-year-old Hunters Hill man was arrested at Sydney International Airport just after 1pm yesterday (Thursday 10 March 2022), while attempting to board a flight to Bangkok.
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station.
About 5pm, officers from Raptor Highway Patrol stopped an Audi RSQ8 at Putney and arrested another 47-year-old man.
The Putney man was taken to Ryde Police Station and the Audi was seized.
A short time later, strike force investigators – assisted by North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (RES) – executed two search warrants at homes at Putney and Hunters Hill.
During the searches, investigators located and seized cash, electronic devices, and other items relevant to investigations.
All seized items will undergo forensic analysis.
The Hunters Hill man has since been charged with six offences, including three counts of deal in indictable crime proceeds money and property more than $1 million, two counts of import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug, and direct activities of criminal organisation.
The Putney man was charged with three offences, including two counts of import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug and direct activities of criminal organisation.
Both men were refused bail and appeared at local courts today (Friday 11 March 2022), where they were formally refused bail to reappear at Central Local Court on Wednesday 11 May 2022.
Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow, said invaluable data gathered during Operation Ironside continues to bear fruit for investigators.
“This particular import was facilitated using ANOM phones that crooks believed were encrypted and utilised for anything from drug imports to hits on rivals, or worse,” Det Supt Critchlow said.
“In this instance, police will allege a fictitious hospitality company was created so the drugs could be sent under the guise of tea and escape the reaches of law enforcement.
“This should be a warning to anyone who used the ANOM phones to conduct illicit activities; we know what you did and we’re working backwards to find you, then prosecute you,” Det Supt Critchlow said.
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.
