South Sudan’s ‘third most handsome man’ charged over $100m container cocaine plot

One of the men charged over a $105m Sydney shipping container cocaine plot is a former male model who was once voted South Sudan’s “third most handsome man”.

One of the men charged over a $105m cocaine plot is a former male model who was once voted South Sudan’s “third most handsome man”.

Anei Dut, 28, has walked the catwalk for the likes of David Jones in the past but now finds himself in custody over hundreds of kilos of cocaine allegedly concealed in shipping containers.

Dut is one of four people, including two teenagers, who were arrested in sweeping raids across western Sydney this week.

Police will allege the group used a “rip on, rip off” method to allegedly import the drugs from overseas.

The method involves organised crime groups taking legitimate shipping containers, stuffing them with drugs and removing them before anyone notices.

Former made model Anei Dut was one of four men who were arrested in the raids. Picture: David Smith

In several cases they tend to target containers with perishable goods so the shipments are moved off the port faster as a priority.

The NSW Police’s Drugs and Firearms Squad alleges they located more than 200kg of drugs, mostly cocaine, linked to the men.

Dut has been charged with eight offences during the cocaine plot.

Dut has been charged with serious drug offences. Source: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AneiDutOfficial

One was still a minor when he is alleged to have directed the group and will face a Children’s Court today.

Officers believe the group have links to western Sydney gang/rap group ML60, also known as Money Lane 60, based out of Merrylands.

Dut has been charged with eight offences including participating in a criminal group, taking part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of drugs.

He faced Blacktown Local on Thursday where he did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody by Magistrate Aaron Tang until the case goes before the same court again.

Anei Dut had once modelled for the likes of Calibre and Jack London, among others. Picture: Instagram

Since its establishment in May, officers have seized 201kg of cocaine from three containers with a street value of $105m.

Six people have already been charged for various related offences, which remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries, strike force detectives combined with Riot and Raptor Squad officers to execute another eight search warrants across Sydney’s west on Thursday.

Five men have been charged following an ongoing investigation into the supply of large commercial quantities of drugs concealed in shipping containers. Picture: NSW Police

The arrests form part of an ongoing investigation: NSW Police

Up to $37,000 in cash, 4kg of methylamphetamine, 3kg of cocaine, a replica firearm, ammunition, electronics and luxury jewellery were all seized during the operation for further forensic examination.

Police arrested an 18-year-old man in Woodpark, who they allege directed the local syndicate in “ripping off’ the containers.

Police located several prohibited weapons among the eight search warrants in the operation. Picture: NSW Police

Luxury jewellery and watches were taken for further forensic examination. Picture: NSW Police

He was taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with 12 offences including knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group, take part in supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, manufacture prohibited drug, knowingly deal with proceeds and property proceeds of crime, and possessing ammunition, DECCD, housebreaking implements, and means of disguising face with intent to commit indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear in a Children’s Court on Friday.

Three teenagers, including Massi Ahmadi (pictured), and two men aged in their 20s were arrested yesterday. Picture: NSW Police

Police arrested another 18-year-old man, Massi Ahmadi, in Merrylands and took him to Granville Police Station.

He was charged with 11 offences including participate in a criminal group, take part in supply of large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and possessing an unauthorised pistol, DECCD, housebreaking implements, and means of disguising face with intent to commit indictable offence.

At Parramatta Local Court on Friday, Ahmadi was granted bail after Magistrate Peter Feather described the prosecution case as weak.

Ahmadi’s lawyer Zemarai Khatiz said police allegations about his client wanting to buy “5000 capsules” was “completely irrelevant” to his client, nor was there evidence “he knew of drugs”.

Police prosecutor James Katsetis said the matter was “organised and planned by a number of co-accused”, and Ahmadi woudl pose a threat to the community if he was released on bail.

However, Magistrate Feather asked where the evidence was linking Ahmadi to accessing the shipping container in May and June.

He said the police had a “very unsatisfactory fact sheet”.

“It’s a weak prosecution case,’’ he said.

Ahmadi’s parents, sister and aunt supported him in court, where he appeared via video link.

Under his bail conditions, the teen must live with his family at Hilltop Rd, Merrylands, not associate with the co-accused, report daily to Merrylands police station and surrender his passport.

Strike Force detectives combined with Riot and Raptor Squad officers during the operation. Picture: NSW Police

An Australian Border Force dog involved in the raids. Picture: NSW Police

A third 18-year-old man was arrested in Bondi and taken to Bondi Police Station, where he was charged with seven offences including participate in criminal group, take part in supply of large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and possessing housebreaking implements and means of disguising face with intent to commit indictable offence.

More than $37,000 in cash was seized during the raids. Picture: NSW Police

He was refused bail to appear in a Children’s Court on Friday.

In Seven Hills, police arrested a 25-year-old man.

He was taken to Blacktown Police Station where he was charged with participate in criminal group, deal with property proceeds of crime, and possessing ammunition without holding a licence or permit, and identity info to commit indictable offence.

The five men will all face court as investigations under Strike Force Biles continue. Picture: NSW Police

He was refused bail and appeared in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday.

Police will allege in court the 18-year-old Woodpark man received contracts alerting him to a shipment of drugs and directed the group to identify and then break into the containers concealing the prohibited substances.

Those drugs – usually cocaine – were then supplied to a nominated recipient before the group would receive a payment.

Investigations under Strike Force Biles continue.