STUNNED shoppers at an Auburn shopping centre watched police take down three men (pictured) last Wednesday evening, over their alleged involvement in the importation of more than $115 million worth of methylamphetamine.
SHOPPERS were startled when police stormed an Auburn shopping centre and arrested three men last Wednesday night over the alleged importation of $115 million worth of methylamphetamine.
Drug and Firearms Squad detectives, assisted by Raptor Squad officers, arrested the three men aged 30 and two 31-year-olds, inside the shopping centre about 6.40pm, before searching properties in Auburn, West Ryde and Haymarket where they allegedly located and seized identification documents and about $20,000 cash.
In December 2022, the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad began an investigation under Strike Force Guelphs to investigate an organised criminal syndicate involved in the supply of prohibited drugs.
As part of ongoing investigations, Australian Border Force officers intercepted a consignment from Malaysia in late January 2023, said to contain bathroom accessories and tiles.
During a subsequent examination, 130kg of a substance believed to be methylamphetamine – with a potential street value of more than $115 million – was allegedly found concealed within slabs of paraffin wax.
All three men were charged with import commercial quantity of border controlled drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad Acting Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Gordon, said the group was identified through ongoing investigations into another criminal syndicate.
He says organised criminals operate sophisticated networks to import and supply these prohibited drugs into NSW, and their only priority is profit – “they have a complete disregard for the harm caused when these drugs hit the streets”.
“We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those involved in this sort of activity. The only realistic outcome for involvement in organised crime is years in jail and the loss of homes, cars and anything else gained as a result.”
