A 30-year-old Greek national has been dramatically arrested in the surf at Birubi Beach, Anna Bay, for his alleged role in a major drug operation involving the importation of 34kg of methamphetamine into Sydney.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) began investigating the organised crime syndicate in June 2024, suspecting it was importing drugs from the United Kingdom. Authorities allege the man stored a car containing 37kg of methamphetamine, intending to deliver the vehicle and its illicit cargo – valued at an estimated $34 million – to an unidentified recipient.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said the arrests underscore the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks.
“Let these arrests serve as a warning to criminal syndicates plotting attempts to bring illicit substances into our country – we are ready to act and disrupt your criminal activities, together with our law enforcement partners.”
An arrest warrant was issued on 25 November 2024 for the man’s alleged involvement. After tracking him to Birubi Beach, about an hour north of Newcastle, AFP investigators and NSW Police moved in at around 5:20pm on Friday, 20 December.
When approached, the man allegedly fled into the ocean to evade capture. However, after treading water for a short time, he returned to shallow waters, where he was arrested.
The man has been charged with:
- Possessing a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
- Breaching bail, under section 77(1)(e) of the Bail Act 2013 (NSW).
He appeared in Parramatta Local Court on 21 December 2024, where he was refused bail. The case will return to the same court on 20 February 2025.
The man is the fourth person arrested in connection with the methamphetamine operation.
Two other Greek nationals, aged 43 and 41, were arrested earlier in the investigation. They are accused of retrieving the drugs from an air cargo consignment in Earlwood and concealing them in a vehicle. Both were charged and remain in custody, with their cases scheduled for Downing Centre Local Court on 19 February 2025.
A fourth suspect, a 45-year-old Greek national, was arrested on 20 November 2024 and faces similar charges for allegedly helping store and prepare the vehicle for delivery. He is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 15 January 2025.
This ongoing operation highlights the scale of collaboration between Australian law enforcement agencies in combating organised crime and protecting the community from the dangers of drug trafficking.
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