Samuel Garrard, Andrew Henty, Glenn Peterson and Benjamin Thom charged with drug trafficking

Four men have been accused of trafficking large quantities of meth for a nationwide organised crime syndicate after they were allegedly nabbed in a massive police sting.

Four men allegedly involved in an nationwide organised crime syndicate have been accused of making and trafficking methamphetamine for the crew.

Samuel Garrard, Andrew Henty, Glenn Peterson and Benjamin Thom all faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after they were charged by the Australian Federal Police last November.

The police raided an Albert Park address on November 19, 2024 where they arrested Mr Henty and Mr Thom.

Mr Garrard was arrested following a raid at his Macleod home, while Mr Peterson was arrested in Port Melbourne.

The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce identified the men during Operation Greenwell Point, an investigation into an alleged syndicate converting liquid methamphetamine for distribution across Melbourne.

Police allege that the liquid was dehydrated and converted into a more concentrated, crystalline version of the drug, which increased its street value.

Some of the drugs that were alleged seized by police during the raids. Picture: Australian Federal Police

The taskforce, made up of officers from the AFP, Victoria Police and the Australian Border Force raided more than 15 addresses across Melbourne, where they allegedly seized $180,000 cash, 23L of 1,4 butanediol, 20L of acetone, a crypto wallet, 9kg of methamphetamine, a dedicated encrypted communications device and a cash counting machine.

During a raid at a North Melbourne property, police also allegedly seized a commercially-sized dehydrator, which was allegedly used to convert liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine.

Mr Henty, who appeared in court from the Melbourne Remand Centre, was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of meth, dealing with proceeds of crime valued at more than $100,000, possessing meth, causing harm to a federal police officer and obstructing a Commonwealth official.

Mr Thom, of Airport West, was charged with trafficking meth and dealing with proceeds of crime of more than $10,000.

Mr Peterson, of Highett, was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of meth, dealing with proceeds of crime of more than $10,000 and possessing meth and cannabis.

9kg of methamphetamine was allegedly seized during the raids. Picture: Australian Federal Police

Mr Garrard, who was the only accused man to appear in court physically, has been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of meth.

AFP detective Inspector David Macgregor said criminals were motivated by greed and used a variety of methods to traffic harmful drugs in Australia because of the high prices users were prepared to pay.

“Methamphetamine, like all illicit drugs, causes psychological, financial and social harm to users, their loved ones, and the broader community,” Det Insp MacGregor said.

“This amount of methamphetamine could have been sold as about 9000 street level deals and would have caused widespread harm, with the negative impact felt in domestic violence, in our hospitals and the road toll.

“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.

“This is a terrific result for our investigators, intelligence and capability members who work hard every day to keep our community safe.”

Mr Garrard will face a three day committal hearing on October 13, while the other three men had their matters adjourned for further committal mention on June 25 as their matters progress towards the County Court.