Drug and Firearms Squad detectives, assisted by Raptor Squad officers, arrested three men aged 30 and two 31-year-old inside a shopping centre in Auburn about 6.40pm yesterday (Wednesday, February 8).
Strike force detectives and AFP officers later executed four Commonwealth search warrants in Auburn, West Ryde, and Haymarket where they allegedly located and seized identification documents, and about $20,000 cash. All items will undergo further forensic examination.
In December 2022, the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad commenced 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.
Strike force investigators seized the drugs and commenced further investigations with the AFP.
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 this group were identified through ongoing investigations into another criminal syndicate.
“Organised criminals operate sophisticated networks to import and supply these prohibited drugs into NSW,” Det Acting Supt Gordon said.
“The only priority for these syndicates 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 gaol and the loss of homes, cars, and anything else gained as a result.”
ABF Superintendent Mal Nimmo said the significant seizure showed once more that the ABF is the nation’s first and most important line of defence against the scourge of dangerous drugs.
Anyone with information about organised criminal networks or drug importation 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.
