A joint operation has resulted in two Sydney men being arrested for the alleged importation of more than three kilograms of cocaine with a street value of approximately $1 million.
Earlier this month, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted 18 packages sent from the USA via air freight following information received from an airfreight company. All were declared to contain ‘documents’, ‘tech sheets’ or ‘legal documents’, however, the consignments were found to contain clip-seal bags of white powder. ABF officers presumptively tested the powder which returned a positive result for cocaine.
The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and search warrants were executed at three residential premises in the Sydney suburbs of Bondi and Zetland.
During the search warrants approximately $US90,000 and $AUD255,000 was discovered as well as scales, clip-seal bags, courier slips, bank transfer slips and other material associated with the alleged drug importation and distribution.
A 39-year-old Bondi man and a 28-year-old Bondi man were subsequently arrested.
The 39-year-old was charged with multiple counts of import a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug and attempt to possess a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug as well as dealing in the proceeds of crime with a value of more than $100,000.
The 28-year-old was charged with multiple counts of import a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, attempt to possess a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug and possess a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug.
Both men are expected to face the Sydney Central Local court today (14 January). They both face a maximum penalty of up to 25 years’ imprisonment.
