Yong Zhang: Yennora man allegedly imported $300,000 ‘ice’ in mechanical equipment

At the epicentre of Sydney’s Covid outbreak a Yennora man has been busted after allegedly smuggling $300,000 of ice hidden in “mechanical equipment”.

A southwest Sydney man has been charged after $300,000 of the drug ‘ice’ was found in an aircraft shipment of ‘mechanical equipment’.

Yong Zhang, 54, of Yennora, faced Downing Centre Local Court from custody on Wednesday after being charged over the alleged importation.

Australian Border Force examined an air cargo consignment which arrived in Sydney on August 20.

The load was declared as containing mechanical equipment but had some inconsistencies according to Border Force officers.

When the equipment was deconstructed, it was found to have more than 3kg of crystallised substance in it.

The substance was tested and found to be methylamphetamine (ice), with an estimated potential street value of $300,000.

Charges laid after $300,000 of ‘ice’ concealed in mechanical equipment seized. 54-year-old Yennora man arrested. Picture: NSW Police

An investigation was launched by Fairfield City Police and ABF officers, as well as with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit.

They arrested a 54-year-old Zhang at a Yennora home about 10am on Tuesday, September 7.

Officers seized a number of items during a search warrant at the home.

He was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

He was refused bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court via a video link on Wednesday.

Zhang did not apply for bail and will return to court on November 3.

Police are still investigating.