29 February 2024, 7:55am
Media Release
Polish nationals charged with the attempted possession of 300kg of MDMA and 70kg of ketamine
Editor’s note: Images of the arrest and items seized are available via Hightail
Two Polish nationals have been charged by the AFP with the attempted importation of 300kg of MDMA and 70kg of ketamine seized from a Sydney storage facility last week.
The AFP seized the drugs on Friday 23 February 2024, after a search warrant was executed on the facility in the Sydney suburb of Box Hill.
AFP forensics members removed the drugs from the consignment of 20 pallets of cardboard boxes, and secured the storage unit as investigators continued to monitor the location.
On Tuesday, 27 February 2024, AFP members observed two men enter the storage unit to allegedly search through the boxes. The men were then arrested by members of the New South Wales Police Force at about 1pm, before being transferred into the custody of the AFP.
The men, 31 and 47, were found to be in possession of items such as scales, tape, heavy duty gloves, a box-cutter and plastic drop-sheets.
The men were subsequently charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
A search warrant was executed on a hotel room linked to the men in Barangaroo, where mobile devices, a USB, sim cards and documents were seized for further forensic examination.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said the arrests highlighted the AFP’s relentless pursuit of organised crime.
“These arrests demonstrate the persistence of our investigators, who remain committed to identifying those responsible for the importation of these illegal drugs and their intended distribution,” she said.
“An import of this size had the potential to cause significant harm in our community.
Criminal syndicates go to great lengths to conceal their activities, but that will never deter the AFP and its domestic and international partners.”
The men appeared before Downing Centre Local Court today (28 February 2024) and were refused bail.
They are next expected to appear in court on 24 April 2024.
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, visit the Turning Point website.
