Seventh person charged over attempted import of 63kg of methylamphetamine – Strike Force Casserly

A seventh person has been charged over their alleged role in a criminal syndicate involved in the alleged importation of prohibited drugs under Strike Force Casserly.

Strike Force Casserly was established in June 2022 by officers attached to State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad following a referral from Australian Border Force, who intercepted a pallet of flatpack ottomans, containing 62kg of methylamphetamine.

In November 2022, five men and a woman were charged and remain before the courts.

Following further extensive inquiries, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant in Epping about 8.30am on Thursday 14 March 2024, where they arrested a 33-year-old man.

During the search, officers seized a number of mobile phones as well as documentation relevant to their investigation.

The man was taken to Gladesville Police Station, where he was charged with import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug, possess commercial quantity unlawful import: border-controlled drug.

He was refused bail and appeared before Burwood Local Court the same day, where he was formally refused bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday 10 May 2024.

Investigations under Strike Force Casserly continue.

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.

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