The FINANCIAL -- Two
Hong Kong nationals have been arrested over the attempted importation of
approximately 30 kilograms of methamphetamine into Sydney, the result
of an investigation by the Joint Organised Crime Group.
The JOCG is a taskforce targeting organised crime and comprises the Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, NSW Police Force, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Crime Commission.
The methamphetamine, seized from two sea cargo containers at Port Botany, has a wholesale value of approximately $4.9 million.
A 24-year-old man has been charged with Commonwealth offences including importing and attempting to possess a border controlled drug, which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He is scheduled to appear in Sydney’s Central Local Court today.
A second man is expected to be charged this afternoon and will be appearing in Sydney Central Local court at a later date.
Operation Furrow commenced on 13 December when Australian Customs and Border Protection officers in Sydney targeted sea cargo consignments that had arrived from Shekou, China.
Customs and Border Protection officers detected the drugs inside the frames of the shipping containers.
The JOCG conducted search warrants today at Haymarket, Glenwood and Potts Point and also seized a number of items relevant to this investigation, including a small quantity of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine located at Potts Point.
Police subsequently arrested the alleged offenders at Haymarket and Potts Point.
Investigations are ongoing and police have not ruled out further arrests.
AFP Acting Manager Serious and Organised Crime Chris Sheehan said this seizure was another successful result for the JOCG. Customs and Border Protection National Manager of Sea Cargo and International Mail Graham Krisohos said the investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of Australian law enforcement agencies to detect even the most sophisticated drug concealment methods.
Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, Acting Director of NSW Police Force's Organised Crime Directorate said today's arrests are the product of excellent cooperation between NSW Police and other agencies committed to reducing organised crime.
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