Eighth person charged as police uncover major meth operation across western Sydney

A months-long investigation which uncovered drug labs in Sydney’s west has seen police charge an eighth person over an alleged large-scale methamphetamine manufacturing syndicate.

An eighth person has been charged over an alleged criminal syndicate accused of manufacturing and supplying large quantities of methamphetamine across Sydney.

The arrest follows a months-long joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF), which began in September 2024 after a dual Mexican-Colombian national arrived at Sydney Airport.

In October, investigators uncovered two clandestine drug laboratories, seized more than 130kg of methamphetamine, 12kg of cocaine and $1 million in cash from properties in western Sydney.

A 46-year-old Tamarama man was arrested on Tuesday at AFP Eastern Command headquarters and is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.

He faces three charges including pre-traffic commercial quantity of controlled precursor, with a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment, commit offence for benefit of organisation, with a maximum penalty of seven years and found on or entering/leaving drug premises.

The investigation has prevented millions of dollars of drug profit flowing back into the syndicate. Picture: AFP.

The AFP will allege this man was a key figure in a criminal group manufacturing illicit drugs in Sydney. Picture: AFP

Police allege the man was a key figure in the group, responsible for co-ordinating the arrival and accommodation of the foreign national believed to have established a meth lab.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the syndicate posed a significant danger to the community.

The man is the eighth person charged under an investigation launched in September, 2024. Picture: AFP

$1m in cash was also discovered following the search. Picture: AFP

“Criminal syndicates involved in drug manufacturing do not care about the harm they cause to Australian communities – they put our community at risk for their own greed,” Det Supt Fogarty said.

“This investigation has prevented millions of dollars of drug profit flowing back into the syndicate to fund their next criminal venture.

12Kg of cocaine was seized during the search warrant in 2024. Picture: AFP

“Clandestine labs ... are highly volatile and pose significant health and safety risks to criminals, drugs users and members of the wider community who may be unlucky enough to be living near one.

“We would like to thank the community for their valuable assistance in this investigation.”

ABF Superintendent Geoff Quinn credited intelligence and frontline work for helping deliver the breakthrough.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty praised the unwavering commitment from AFP investigators to target criminal networks. Picture: AFP

“ABF are on the front line every single day ensuring Australia’s borders are protected from criminals attempting to import drugs and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our community,” Superintendent Quinn said.

“This outcome demonstrates another highly effective collaboration in which the ABF and AFP have worked together to protect the community.”

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