Sydney man charged over plot to import 252kg of pink cocaine

A man who allegedly attempted to import 252kg of a dangerous drug into Sydney has been charged. A similar cocktail was found in the system of late pop star Liam Payne after his death.

The AFP has charged a Matraville man for his alleged involvement in a plot to import 252kg of pink cocaine. Picture: AFP

A Sydney man allegedly involved in a plot to import 252kg of a dangerous illicit drug cocktail known as “pink cocaine” into Australia has been charged after an Australian Federal Police investigation.

The AFP began investigating a transnational drug trafficking syndicate targeting Australia last month after 252kg of “pink cocaine” was sized in an air cargo consignment labelled as an industrial saw and destined for Castle Hill in Sydney’s northwest.

The substance, sometimes also known as “tusi”, commonly contains a mixture of ketamine, MDMA and other “adulterants” – which can be substances such as bleach, detergent or toilet cleaner – and rarely any cocaine.

The dangerous drug was found in the system of former One Direction pop star Liam Payne following his tragic death in Argentina last month.

A Matraville man, 21, has now been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug.

Liam Payne performing in Berlin in 2019. Picture: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

“The AFP undertook a controlled delivery operation and on November 6, the consignment was delivered to the Castle Hill address and allegedly accessed by the Matraville man,” an AFP statement said.

“The man, 21, was arrested by AFP investigators in Coogee a short time later.”

The maximum potential penalty for the offence if the man pleads or is found guilty is life imprisonment.

He appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on November 7, where he was formally refused bail and the matter adjourned to January 29 next year.

AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen during a press conference after a Sydney man was charged over an alleged plot to import more than 250kg of pink cocaine. Picture: Nikki Short

AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said the seizure of such a significant quantity of “pink cocaine” destined for Australia was a concern for policing agencies across the country.

“Pink cocaine is made up of an unpredictable cocktail of illicit drugs, meaning anyone who consumes the drug has no idea what they are putting in their body,” A/Supt Millen said.

“The dangers of all illicit drug consumption can be severe, including loss of consciousness, stroke, heart attack and even death.

“Consuming a cocktail of illicit drugs significantly increases those risks.”

The cocaine seized by police. Picture: AFP

The AFP has charged a Matraville man for his alleged involvement in a plot to import 252kg of a dangerous illicit drug cocktail, known as ”pink cocaine”, into Australia by international air cargo. Picture: AFP

A/Supt Millen said branding the harmful drug cocktail as “pink cocaine” was a plot designed by drug syndicates to maximise profits at the expense of users’ health and welfare.

“The AFP is closely monitoring the notable increase in ‘pink cocaine’ detections domestically, and offshore, throughout 2024,” A/Supt Millen said.

“This outcome has prevented a large amount of illicit drugs from reaching our communities and causing harm, and put a sizeable dent in the wallets of organised crime.”

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]