Media Release: Hong Kong man faces court over $16 million drug haul
Release Date: Tuesday, September 18 2012, 01:15 PM
This is a joint media release between the Australian Fderal Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, NSW Police Force, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Crime Commission.
A 45-year-old Hong Kong national was arrested with almost 24 kilograms of narcotics by the Joint Organised Crime Group (JOCG), and will face court today charged with drug supply offences.
On 7 September 2012, JOCG officers conducted search warrants in Seven Hills, Blacktown and Marsfield, where they seized 21.05 kilograms of heroin and 2.68 kilograms of cocaine that had been concealed within a cargo consignment of steel fencing originating from China.
The combined street value of the narcotics is estimated to be worth up to $16 million dollars.
A Hong Kong national was arrested and charged with two counts of Supply Prohibited Drug not less than Large Commercial Quantity, contrary to section 25(2) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985.
The man was refused bail and will appear today in the Sydney Central Local Court.
The JOCG comprises the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, NSW Police Force, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Crime Commission.
AFP Manager Serious and Organised Crime David Sharpe said the JOCG was a prime example of a joint law enforcement partnership that was key to disrupting transnational drug syndicates.
“This seizure, along with other recent operations with our law enforcement partners sends a clear message to organised crime syndicates that we will continue to target and disrupt their activities,” Commander Sharpe said.
“Investigations are ongoing and the JOCG has not ruled out further arrests.”
NSW Police State Crime Commander Mal Lanyon said the NSW Police Force was committed to reducing the availability of prohibited drugs on the streets of NSW.
“This result is a further demonstration of the ability of law enforcement agencies at a State and Commonwealth level to work in partnership to seize drugs and enhance community safety,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Lanyon said.
“This is a significant seizure and I would like to commend the ongoing work of the Joint Organised Crime Group in targeting individuals and syndicates who seek to import prohibited drugs."
Customs and Border Protection Acting National Director Intelligence and Targeting, Chris Wall said that Australian law enforcement authorities would use all of the resources available to them to stop illicit importations such as this one.
“Working together with our law enforcement partners, Customs and Border Protection is committed to protecting the Australian community from these dangerous substances,” Mr Wall said.
The maximum penalties for these offences are 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
NSW State Crime Command (02) 8835 8339
Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793