Expensive whisky also found during heroin raid
A VIETNAMESE national allegedly at the centre of an international drug smuggling ring has been charged after allegedly importing a 16kg haul of heroin into Sydney.
NSW
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A VIETNAMESE national allegedly at the centre of an international drug smuggling ring has been charged after allegedly importing a 16kg haul of heroin into Sydney.
The $8 million stash of heroin was one of the largest busts in recent years and the shipment led police to a "holding” address in Cabramatta where the 45-year-old Vietnamese man was arrested.
At the address police also found 224 bottles Johnny Walker Blue Label whisky which sell for $200 a bottle.
The heroin was concealed in an airfreight shipment of children’s clothing from Thailand.
A joint investigation by NSW Police Force and the Australian Border Force was sparked by a tip-off drugs were being hidden in the shipment.
The package was examined and X-rayed which uncovered “anomalies” in the shipment.
After officers discovered the drugs and booze, a search warrant was executed at the home in Cabramatta.
The man was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with knowingly take part in large commercial drug supply.
The Drug and Firearms Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Jason Weinstein said investigators were targeting the supply chain of heroin internationally and domestically.
“With the seizure of 16kg of heroin, we know we have put a decent dent in availability on the street, but we can’t stop there,” he said,
“We will continue our inquiries into where it came from and where it was going.
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“We will harness the skills of our partner agencies, including the Australian Border Force, to stop the importation and large-scale supply of drugs which continue to plague our community.”
ABF Superintendent Investigations NSW Garry Low said heroin was a destructive drug that harmed users, their family, friends and the Australian community.
“Heroin is extremely addictive and destructive, it rips apart families and does untold damage to those who become trapped in its grip,” he said.
“Keeping these illicit substances out of the hands of those who seek to make a profit from vulnerable members of our society is a high priority for the ABF.”