IRONSIDE: Man sentenced to 11 years’ jail for importing cocaine
A Sydney man has been sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment for his role in running a drug importation enterprise trafficking cocaine after the AFP uncovered the scheme during Operation Ironside.
The man, now 68, was arrested in May 2021 after plain clothes officers observed him, and another man, waiting at a Western Sydney address which had been listed on a consignment of about two kilograms of cocaine.
Australian Border Force officers intercepted and inspected the consignment, which was declared as ‘diamond microdermabrasion’, following intelligence gained through the AN0M platform.
AFP officers executed search warrants on the two men and their residences – neither of which were the address where they had been waiting – seizing several false identification documents and a large sum of cash.
Further information about the investigation and arrest can be found here.
The man, from Bonnyrigg, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to:
- Conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth);
- Dealing with money reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- Dealing with identification information with the intention of committing and indictable offence, contrary to section 372.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)
The man received a sentence of 11 years’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of six years and six months.
The second man has pleaded guilty to his role in the illicit scheme and is due to be sentenced next month.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Carly Smith said Operation Ironside enabled law enforcement to observe organised crime syndicates in real time and intervene to end their illicit activities.
“The information collected during this operation showed the lack of regard for the laws they were breaking and harm they were causing,” Det. a/Supt Smith said.
“The AFP and partners are working hard to stop all levels of the drug trade and protect the Australian community.”
ABF Superintendent Mal Nimmo said the ABF works around the clock to target and disrupt those who attempt to import illicit substances into Australia.
“This result shows, yet again, that no matter how creatively criminals try to conceal drugs, our skilled officers and the techniques we use will stop them in their tracks at the border," Superintendent Nimmo said.
“The Australian border is one of our most important national assets, and so the ABF alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to make it a hostile environment for those trying to import illicit drugs."
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