Final member of syndicate related to importation of one tonne of MDMA sentenced
Editor’s note: photographs of the seized drugs are available via Hightail
The final member of a syndicate related to an importation of one tonne of MDMA into Sydney in 2020 has been sentenced by a Sydney court.
The 24-year-old Cabramatta West man was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years and nine months, by the Downing District Court on 1 April 2022.
This sentencing brings the combined sentences of the six syndicate members to more than 26 years’ imprisonment. Details of the other sentences can be found here.
The results of the joint investigation between the AFP and Australian Border Force (ABF), with assistance from NSW Police Force, was announced in March 2020 following the seizure of the illicit drugs and the arrest of six men. The details of the investigation and arrests are can be found in this previous media release.
The MDMA was seized after ABF officers detected anomalies in a shipping container that arrived from South Korea on 11 January 2020.
ABF examined pallets laden with 648 plastic tubs labeled as tile adhesive. Hidden in 176 of the tubs of adhesive were bags of a powder that tested positive to MDMA. Each tub contained approximately six kilograms of MDMA powder. The total weight of the illicit drugs seized from the shipment was 1,051kg.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Kirsty Schofield said the AFP continued to deliver results for the Australian community in the fight against transnational serious organised crime.
“Despite efforts by criminal networks to evade detection, authorities are continuing to identify and disrupt the syndicates who attempt to flood our communities with these dangerous drugs,” Assistant Commissioner Schofield said.
“Australian law enforcement agencies are more united than ever in the fight against transnational serious organised crime.”
ABF Assistant Commissioner East, Erin Dale, said the ABF and its law enforcement partners are committed to stopping these types of imports and shutting down the criminal groups attempting to facilitate them.
“The ABF and our partner agencies work around the clock to detect attempts to breach our borders. Whether you try to import drugs, guns or even illicit tobacco, we have you in our sights and we will stop you,” she said
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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