Cleaned up: AFP arrests man for allegedly importing 137kg meth hidden in floor scrubbers
Editor’s note: Images of the consignments and arrest vision is available via Hightail
A Sydney man is scheduled to face Sydney Downing Centre today (5 May), for allegedly importing more than 130kg of methamphetamine concealed in commercial floor scrubbers.
The AFP launched an investigation on 4 January, 2023 after receiving intelligence from US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) about the detection of 54kg methamphetamine concealed in two commercial floor scrubbers, destined for businesses in Castle Hill, NSW.
Later that month (23 January), a second consignment containing about 57kg of methamphetamine concealed in four commercial floor scrubbers was intercepted in the US. The package was addressed to a business in Girrawen, NSW.
On 21 February 2023, a third consignment containing about 26kg of methamphetamine concealed in one commercial floor scrubber was intercepted in the US. The package was addressed to another Sydney business in Ramsgate, NSW.
The methamphetamine in all seven floor scrubbers was seized by US authorities, and the consignments were progressed for delivery to Australia.
When the shipments arrived in Australia, AFP investigators inspected the floor scrubbers and loaded them with inert packages to replicate the seized drugs, with the assistance of the Australian Border Force.
On 9 March, 2023 AFP investigators monitored a consignment as it was collected from a freight forwarding company in Botany.
Police will allege a Randwick man, 38, used false identification to collect the delivery in a van with number plates that were stolen.
He drove to a Mascot apartment where it is alleged he unloaded some of the substituted drugs and hid the remaining packages in a van at a Randwick address, for delivery to customers across Sydney.
Police executed search warrants across Randwick, Bexley and Mascot, where the man was arrested, and seized a number of counter surveillance devices, which were allegedly used to obstruct AFP operations.
Superintendent Narelle Mitchell said the AFP remained dedicated to targeting illicit drug importations, which undermined our national security, economy and social security.
“Had these drugs reached our communities, countless lives would have been impacted and it would have inflicted a social cost of more than $12 million through crime, increased healthcare and justice costs and loss of productivity,” Supt Mitchell said.
“Our cooperation with partner law enforcement agencies has never been stronger, both within Australia and overseas, and we will continue to target those who attempt to harm our communities.
“Transnational organised crime is serious business, and the AFP is equipped to win the fight with members located across the globe working together with our international partners.”
US HSI Attaché Ernest Verina said this arrest is another great example of successful collaboration between multiple international law enforcement agencies determined to prevent the smuggling of illicit drugs.
“HSI and our international partners will never waiver in our commitment to stopping the flow of dangerous drugs from impacting neighbourhoods and communities. Each arrest, each seizure is saving lives and decreases the additional crime that arises from transnational criminal organisations.”
“I commend the dedicated agents, detectives, and investigators whose outstanding international efforts and collaboration led to this arrest.” HSI Attaché Verina said.
The Randwick man was charged with:
- Importing a marketable quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- Attempting to possess a marketable quantity of border controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
Note to media:
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.
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