Parramatta: Andy Dawood charged over alleged MDMA smuggle fail

A Sydney businessman allegedly tried to smuggle hundreds of kilos of MDMA into Australia through a shipping container labelled “car parts”, police have alleged. Watch the video.

A western Sydney businessman allegedly tried to smuggle hundreds of kilos of MDMA into Australia through a shipping container labelled “car parts”, police claim.

Meadowbank man Andy Dawood, 47, was arrested on Friday evening after a lengthy probe into an alleged shipment of MDMA into Australia from Germany in November 2023.

Australian Border Force officers were inspecting a shipping container, which purported to be car parts, when they allegedly discovered 237kg of MDMA hidden in 12 different boxes.

The alleged drugs were removed from the container, which continued its delivery journey to a western Sydney logistics facility on behalf of a company managed by Dawood.

AFP officers visited the 47-year-old’s home shortly after the container was intercepted, where he allegedly told police he organised the “car parts” delivery on behalf of another person.

A western Sydney businessman allegedly tried to smuggle hundreds of kilos of MDMA into Australia through a shipping container labelled “car parts”, police have alleged. Picture: Australian Federal Police

Police will allege in court this person did not exist.

Later, in May 2024, police searched Dawood’s home and found and seized a number of electronic devices.

Police will allege the devices showed evidence of Dawood’s involvement in the alleged MDMA shipment and the fake identity used to arrange it. They also allegedly found evidence of an email address used by Dawood to coordinate the shipment, which is also linked to off-shore cryptocurrency accounts.

Australian Federal Police then allegedly found a concealed department in one of Dawood’s cars, which had an encrypted communications device inside.

Federal police then allegedly found a concealed department in one of Darwood’s cars, which had an encrypted communications device inside. Picture: Australian Federal Police

Dawood was arrested at the Sydney International Airport on Friday on his return to Australia, where police also seized $576,000 in cryptocurrency.

The money is alleged to be the proceeds of crime.

He was later charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of MDMA, dealing with suspected proceeds of indictable crime greater than $100,000 and possess a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device.

AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said the allegations showed the “extremes” criminal groups will go to for profits.

“Criminals do not care about the harm they cause, and our investigative teams are resolute in bringing those responsible before the courts,” he said, speaking generally.

A western Sydney businessman allegedly tried to smuggle hundreds of kilos of MDMA into Australia through a shipping container labelled “car parts”, police have alleged. Picture: Australian Federal Police

“The AFP and partners are committed to protecting the community from the scourge of drugs and to targeting individuals who seek to profit from the illicit trade.”

Australian Border Force Acting Superintendent Marc Rea said officers immediately noticed something irregular about the shipment, with the items purported to be inside not matching the described and declared items.

“On further inspection, the alleged illicit drugs were uncovered, with the syndicate attempting little to no concealment methods,” he said.

“MDMA capsules and tablets are often cut with various other toxic agents and dangerous illicit substances. In such a large quantity could have resulted in tens of thousands of lives being put at risk.

“The ABF will continue to work with the AFP and our state and territory law enforcement partners to disrupt the importation of prohibited drugs, in turn working together to target the overall supply and demand chain.”

Dawood is expected to face Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.