Leaking toilet pipe at Sydney unit leads to $44m drug bust by police

Sydney plumbers were left shocked after accidentally making a $44 million discovery while fixing a leaking toilet, with cops quickly taking over the scene.

Plumbers were left shocked after stumbling across mounds of cash and the drug ice while fixing a leaking toilet pipe at a unit in Sydney’s southwest last year.

Police attended the unit in Minter Street, Canterbury at about 3.20pm on July 9, 2021 after worker who were fixing a leaking toilet pipe reportedly found bags of cash and a crystal substance in an open cupboard.

The unit was declared a crime scene and officers from Burwood Police Area Command and specialist forensic officers examined the unit and a locked garage beneath the complex.

The search uncovered 15 cardboard boxes containing almost 220 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ice) with an estimated potential street value of $44 million.

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Police found 220 kilograms of ice, with an estimated potential street value of $44 million. Picture: NSW Police

The illegal drugs were found in boxes in a locked garage beneath the unit. Picture: NSW Police

Officers also located 95g of MDMA and 35g of cocaine. There were also chemicals found which were consistent with the manufacture of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GBH), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and ice.

There was also close to $1.15 million in cash, some of which was found in a grocery bag, stored in the unit and garage.

Police also found more than $1.1m in cash. Picture: NSW Police

The discovery was made after plumbers found bags of cash and a white crystal substance while fixing a leaking toilet pipe. Picture: NSW Police

“After initial investigations by local police, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Joylyn,” NSW Police said in a statement.

Now, police are appealing for information from the public, releasing image of the cash and illegal drugs seized.

Police have also released CCTV footage of a man they believe can assist with investigations.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation. Picture: NSW Police

The man was pictured walking along Minter St at about 8.10pm on the day police were called to the unit.

He is described as being of Asian appearance, about 170cm tall, of thin build, aged between 25-30, with short black hair.

Police are urging anyone who recognises the man – or has information relating to the discovery of the cash and drugs at the unit – to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Investigations are continuing.