A Sydney man has been sentenced to 11 years’ jail for his role in a plan to import 100 kilograms of methamphetamine from Canada via air cargo.
AFP and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers launched Operation Dagger in October 2021, an investigation into a transnational drug trafficking syndicate.
The investigation was launched after the Canada Border Services Agency found 100kg of methamphetamine inside a commercial dough mixer destined for Australia.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers seized the illicit drugs and replaced it with a harmless substance, before forwarding the consignment to NSW.
AFP officers organised for the consignment to be delivered as planned to a property in Wentworthville.
The AFP and ABF executed a number of search warrants, including one at the man’s Punchbowl home, seizing a further 1.75 grams of methamphetamine, five mobile phones and various SIM cards.
Police also searched commercial premises linked to the investigation in Caringbah, seizing one tonne of methylamine – a chemical compound used to manufacture methamphetamine and MDMA.
The man was arrested for his role in facilitating the importation of the methamphetamine and methylamine. Two men remain before court in relation to this investigation.
On 19 October 2022, the man pleaded guilty to:
- One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine contrary to sections 11.1(1), 11.2A(1) and 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of possessing a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine contrary to section 308.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
He was sentenced last week (4 May 2023) to 11 years’ jail with a non-parole period of seven years by the Downing Centre Local Court.
