Vision of quotes attributable to ABF Deputy Commissionerr Tim Fitzgerald can be downloaded at this link
Audio of quotes attributable to ABF Deputy Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald can be downloaded at this link
The ABF can confirm that warrant activity under the Customs Act at a residence in the Sydney suburb of Arncliffe concluded at around 10:20pm last night (17 August 2023).
The warrant activity was conducted after ABF officers detected a range of illicit substances being imported through air cargo in Sydney.
As part of this operation, the ABF located and seized 52 vials of suspected hazardous substances. The vials have been transferred to the appropriate facilities, where they will be subject to testing.
The appropriate partner agencies will be engaged as part of this process.
A 23-year-old Australian national male is assisting with investigations, which remain ongoing.
At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that this incident poses any kind of national security risk.
Further updates will be provided as appropriate.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ABF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER NATIONAL OPERATIONS, TIM FITZGERALD
“Our officers have done an incredible job under extremely testing circumstances to ensure that all of the vials we have located have now been safely transferred for testing and evaluation.
“We could not have done this without the close support of our colleagues, both within the NSW emergency services and across other Commonwealth agencies.
“At the forefront of our minds at all times during this operation was the safety and wellbeing of community members and all officers involved. There remains no ongoing risk to community safety.”
