A man charged over an alleged plot to import 900 kilograms of meth through Sydney Airport was not previously known to police.
Australian Federal Police received an anonymous tip-off to Crime Stoppers last month, as well as intelligence from the US Homeland Security Investigations about large drug shipments being sent to a Sydney-based furniture store.
On July 22, Australian Border Force detectives detected 896kg of meth hidden inside two separate computer numerical control (CNC) machines at Port Botany.
ABF Acting Commander Asha Patwardhan said the meth had been detected by dogs even through layers of concrete and metal, which officers then drilled through to find the powder.
The drugs were seized and the emptied machines were delivered to their intended destination in Warwick Farm in Sydney’s south-west this Wednesday, July 31.
Police will allege two men examined and opened the container and, with the assistance of a forklift, began to handle the contents inside.
Both men were subsequently arrested, and the AFP searched the Warwick Farm property, a home in Minto and a vehicle.
One of the men was later released pending further inquiries.
A Winston Hills man was charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of meth.
Investigations are ongoing and further arrests are anticipated.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said 896kg of methamphetamine could have been sold as 8.9 million individual street deals and had an estimated street value of $828 million.
“Australia’s a very lucrative drug market, we have some of the highest drug prices in the world,” he said.
The “huge” shipment would likely have been distributed across the eastern seaboard, he said.
Fogarty said the origin of the drugs was unknown, but it was likely the US or possibly Mexico.
He confirmed the 31-year-old charged over the bust was not previously known to police and had never been arrested before.
“I think there’s very much an organised crime syndicate behind this,” Fogarty said.
The 31-year-old was remanded in custody in court yesterday and will return to court on October 2.
If found guilty, he could face a maximum life sentence.
