Eight charged after joint operation targets international drug trafficking by airline passengers
Eight people have been charged and 61kg of illicit substances seized after a police investigation targeting drug trafficking by airline passengers and airfreight cargo. WATCH THE ARREST
Eight people have been charged and 61kg of illicit substances seized after a police investigation targeting drug trafficking by airline passengers and airfreight cargo.
In November last year, a 37-year-old American woman was charged after allegedly attempting to import 13kg of methylamphetamine into Sydney Airport, concealed in boxes of children’s toys.
She was targeted for a baggage examination after arriving on a flight from San Francisco and charged by police.
In December last year, a joint operation was formed between Australia and the United States to investigate the alleged importation of border-controlled drugs via air couriers originating in the US.
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On May 31, a 59-year-old American man arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Los Angeles and was targeted for a baggage examination by police.
During the examination, a small wooden ornamental box was located inside his suitcase, which revealed approximately 2kg of a powdery substance concealed inside that returned a positive result for cocaine.
He was charged by officers with importing drugs.
On May 28, an international freight consignment declared to contain candles was intercepted in Los Angeles.
Anomalies were detected within the candles, and following inspection, 2.4kg of cocaine was seized.
Following inquiries, police arrested a 66-year-old man at a Cabramatta West home yesterday.
Shortly after, a search warrant was executed at the home, where police seized mobile phones and documents.
The man, who is an airport shuttle driver, was charged with attempt to import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug.
He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today.
A further five people have been arrested offshore as a result of this operation, and multiple air cargo consignments have been stopped by our overseas partners before they could reach Australian shores.
In total, 17kg of cocaine and 44kg of methylamphetamine has been seized.
The 17kg of cocaine has an estimated street value of $5.1 million, and the 44kg of methylamphetamine has an estimated street value of $13.2 million.
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