Two NSW men have been sentenced to more than 11 years’ combined jail time for offences linked to an AFP investigation under Operation Ironside.
One man, 43, was sentenced in the District Court of NSW on 2 October, 2026, to two years and 10 months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of one year and 10 months, after pleading guilty to supporting a criminal organisation, contrary to section 390.4(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
A second man, 35, was sentenced in the District Court of NSW on 9 October, 2026, to eight years’ and six months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of five years and one month, after pleading guilty to:
One count of trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, contrary to section 302.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
One count of dealing with proceeds of indictable crime with a value of $100,000 or more, contrary to section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
An AFP investigation commenced in March, 2021, after intelligence obtained via Operation Ironside identified the men’s involvement in a transnational organised crime network based in NSW with links offshore.
Operation Ironside was a three-year investigation during which the AFP and FBI monitored criminals’ communications through a dedicated encrypted communications platform, AN0M. The operation provided law enforcement unprecedented insight into organised crime networks operating in Australia and overseas. Further information can be found on the Operation Ironside page.
The first man was convicted of supporting the organised crime network’s drug importation and trafficking activities in NSW.
Evidence obtained from the AN0M platform showed the man controlled a team of individuals referred to as the “hit crew”, responsible for logistical, counter-surveillance, and violent activities.
The man was involved in the deployment of counter-surveillance cameras at locations of interest, offering to harm people suspected of assisting police, and arranging transport and storage for a drug consignment.
The second man was convicted of being involved in the transportation and attempted distribution of about 87kg of methamphetamine on behalf of a criminal syndicate.
Evidence obtained during the investigation included AN0M communications in which the second man discussed travelling to Melbourne after hiring a rental van to facilitate the sale of the drugs.
The methamphetamine was subsequently stored in a rental van in Sydney while plans were made to break down the 87kg quantity into smaller amounts for distribution.
Court documents detailed AN0M communications in which the offenders discussed the packaging and vacuum-sealing of the methamphetamine and methods of transporting the drugs without damage or detection.
The men were arrested by AFP officers in June, 2021, and later charged over their involvement in the criminal activities.
AFP Detective acting Superintendent Daniel Burnicle said Operation Ironside intelligence had provided investigators with critical insights into criminal syndicate operations.
“Operation Ironside exposed the methods organised crime groups used to move, conceal and distribute harmful illicit drugs across Australia,” Det a/Supt Burnicle said.
“The AFP will continue to target organised crime networks and those who facilitate the movement and distribution of illicit drugs.
“Criminals who believe encrypted communications can shield their activities from law enforcement should take note that the AFP remains committed to identifying, disrupting and prosecuting those involved in organised crime.”
