Two Sydney men have been charged after police busted a global drug trafficking syndicate resulting in the arrest of eight people.
The men, aged 26 and 34, appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday where they were charged with attempting to possess 800kg of methamphetamine destined for Australia in 2023 after they were arrested at Hinchinbrook and Canley Vale in the city’s south-west.
The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), launched the investigation – codenamed Operation Parkes – in January 2023 after Canadian authorities alerted the Australian Federal Police that 2,900 litres of liquid methamphetamine, concealed in 180 bottles of canola oil, was destined for Australia.
Over several months, authorities intercepted liquid methamphetamine on five separate occasions.
In total nearly seven and a half tonnes of the drug was seized, worth about $2 billion.
Police replaced the methamphetamine with a harmless substance before it had been released for delivery in Australia.
Police allege the two men were directed to transport and store what they thought was methamphetamine in locations across Western Sydney.
Six men – including the two alleged organisers of the attempted importations – were apprehended in July 2023.
Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur said the alleged transnational drug trafficking syndicate posed a national security threat, considering the sheer size of the attempted importations.
“These criminals undermine the economy, social security system and financial system in all countries where they operate, Det Supt McArthur said.
“The AFP is well-placed to disrupt the criminal elements who wish to traffic border-controlled drugs to our country, with members based in 33 countries and established offshore partnerships with international law enforcement agencies.”
ABF Acting Commander Maritime and Enforcement South Dan Peters said ABF officers continued to work tirelessly at the border to prevent illicit drugs from hitting Australian streets.
Both men were formally refused bail. The younger man will appear at the same court on March 4 while the other man will return to court April 10.
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