Man arrested in Geelong’s east for alleged role in 80kg drug importation plot

A man has been arrested in a Geelong suburb for his alleged role in a plot to import 80kg of methamphetamine into the country. SEE THE VIDEO.

A man has been arrested in a Geelong suburb for his alleged role in a plot to import 80kg of methamphetamine into the country.

Investigators from the Victoria Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) arrested a 25-year-old Werribee man at a property in Newcomb on Wednesday.

Australian Border Force (ABF) seized about 80kg of methamphetamine, concealed in a shipment of steel boxes, upon its arrival into the country in October last year, following information provided by US law enforcement.

According to Australian Federal Police, the quantity of drugs has an estimated street value of $74m.

Authorities removed the methamphetamine from the consignment in November, before delivering the shipment to an address in Moorabbin.

The Werribee man was seen by authorities at a nearby location when the delivery was made and was arrested.

Police searched his home, where they allegedly found encrypted telecommunications devices, small amounts of border controlled drugs (BCDs) and evidence of the manufacture of BCDs.

The man was released pending further inquiries.

A police review of additional evidence indicated he also allegedly trafficked 11kg of MDMA, 10kg of methamphetamine, 5kg of cocaine and 2kg of ketamine and laundered about $850,000 allegedly obtained from criminal activities.

JOCTF investigators arrested him and later charged him with 10 separate offences.

Police also seized an electronic device and international banking cards following a search of his home and vehicle.

According to the AFP, he appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, where no application was made for bail.

The matter is next due in court on 23 October, 2024.

AFP Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur said the seizure “not only kept our communities safer but it deprived a criminal syndicate of millions of dollars that could be used to fund other illegal ventures or enjoy lives of luxury while law-abiding citizens face cost-of-living pressures.”

“The AFP is working closely with law enforcement partners in the JOCTF and around the world to make Australia a hostile environment for anyone involved in the illicit drug trade,” Mr McArthur said.

The Victorian JOCTF comprises members from the AFP, Victoria Police, ABF, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and Department of Home Affairs.

Originally published as Man arrested in Geelong’s east for alleged role in 80kg drug importation plot