Raptor Squad arrests six men in alleged attempted drug heist at Port Botany

As police watched, six men in balaclavas and high-vis clothing spent hours trying to breach shipping containers at Port Botany. Then Raptor moved in.

Raptor Squad officers have charged six men for an alleged attempted drug rip at Port Botany overnight. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Raptor Squad officers have arrested and charged six men following an alleged attempted drug heist at a shipping yard in Port Botany overnight.

The incident unfolded shortly before 8.30pm on Sunday, when police observed a group of men wearing balaclavas and high-vis clothing scaling the fence of a shipping company on Pier Road in Banksmeadow.

Armed with bolt cutters and other tools, the group attempted to break into several shipping containers but failed to breach any.

Following hours of covert surveillance, officers from State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad — supported by PolAir — moved in, arresting the men at Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany just after 10.30pm.

The group were arrested near Port Botany later that night. Picture: Nikki Short

The suspects, aged 19, 23, 27, 32 and two aged 18, were taken to Maroubra and Mascot Police Stations, where they were charged with a string of offences, including attempt to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawful import (border-controlled drug), attempted break and enter to commit a serious indictable offence, and participation in a criminal group.

The 32-year-old was refused bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, while the remaining five men were refused bail to appear in Waverley Local Court.

Investigations with Australian Border Force continue.

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