IRONSIDE: NSW man charged over alleged methamphetamine supply
Editor’s Note: Vision of the arrest is available via hightail
A Sydney man allegedly involved in a fake methamphetamine deal uncovered as part of Operation Ironside, is expected to face Sydney Central Local Court today (9 December 2021) after being charged by the Australian Federal Police.
The 33-year-old man was arrested yesterday (8 December), accused of knowingly taking part in the supply of methamphetamine.
He is the fourth person charged as a result of Operation Ironside East-Galenus, an AFP investigation into a syndicate importing illicit drugs into Australia with the alleged assistance of trusted insiders in a multinational delivery services company.
Communications on AN0M allegedly revealed a network with links to a Turkey-based Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) member that was allegedly using the international air freight system to import border controlled drugs.
Police will allege that in May 2021, the 33-year-old man paid $75,000 to a 23-year-old man for what he thought was one kilogram of methamphetamine, before supplying it to another man.
However, police will allege that the 23-year-old tried to rip him off and actually supplied soda crystals.
The 23-year-old allegedly then received orders from an associate with links to an OMCG to refund the money.
Police allegedly witnessed the cash being refunded and police retrieved the substituted package from a street-side garbage bin.
The 23-year-old man and two other men were arrested in June 2021. Details of the 23-year-old's arrest is available here.
The 33-year-old was arrested after AFP officers executed search warrants at residences in Chester Hill and Rockdale yesterday (8 December 2021). During the search warrants police seized a replica Glock firearm and drug supply paraphernalia, including a suspected cutting agent and scales.
He has been charged with knowingly take part in the supply of a prohibited drug, represented to be methamphetamine, the quantity being a large commercial quantity, contrary to section 25(2) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW).
AFP Detective Inspector Morgen Blunden said the intelligence gathered under Operation Ironside continued to lead to arrests.
“It is just a matter of time before we arrest those who believe they had gotten away with their crimes,” he said.
“Illicit drug use causes immense harm in our communities and we are working tirelessly with our state partners to combat all levels of the drug trade.”
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Deputy Commissioner Will Day said the ATO’s partnerships are helping to turn over a lot of rocks and shine a light into dark places.
“The ATO works closely with our federal and state law enforcement agency partners to share information and collaborate to disrupt organised crime.”
ABF Inspector Anthony Wheatly said ABF officers are highly skilled and work tirelessly at the border to detect harmful drugs, such as methamphetamine, and keep them off our streets.
“This operation shows the successful outcomes that can be achieved when we work alongside our law enforcement partners,” Inspector Anthony Wheatly said.
“This arrest should send a clear message to criminals and anyone considering taking part in criminal activities – you will be found and you will face the full force of the law.”
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.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
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