Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged four men over allegedly attempting to import 60kg of methylamphetamine into Sydney.
Earlier this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad commenced a joint investigation with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) under Strike Force Merfield, to investigate the importation of illicit drugs into NSW.
On Thursday 16 March 2023, a suspicious imported consignment was intercepted by the ABF in Sydney.
During a subsequent deconstruction, it was allegedly found to contain 60kg of methylamphetamine concealed within an industrial magnet.
The drugs have an estimated potential street value of $18 million.
Strike Force Merfield investigators, with assistance from AFP officers, subsequently conducted a controlled delivery to an industrial site in Ingleside on Wednesday 22 March 2023.
Later that day, four men – aged 21, 22, 25, and 30 – were arrested by the Tactical Operations Unit as they allegedly attempted to access the consignment with an angle grinder.
They were taken to Manly Police Station, and each charged with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
Following further inquiries, strike force detectives executed search warrants at homes in Ingleside, Frenchs Forest and Roselands.
During the searches, police seized prohibited drugs including 338g of an unknown white powder, bank cards, electronic devices including DECCD mobile phones and documentation.
The items were seized and will undergo further examination.
The men were all refused bail to appear before Manly Local Court on Thursday 23 March 2023.
Investigations under Strike Force Merfield are ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Merfield investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services please call:
- The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.
Photos: © State of NSW (NSW Police Force).