A 31-year-old man from south-west Sydney has been charged in connection with a plan to import nearly 900 kilograms of methamphetamine into the city from the United States, hidden inside industrial machinery.
The man appeared at Downing Centre Local Court on 1 August 2024, following his arrest on Wednesday, and has been remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for 2 October 2024.
The arrest followed an investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), dubbed Operation Alstonville, which began last month. The operation was initiated after an anonymous tip-off to Crime Stoppers and intelligence from the United States’ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which alerted authorities to large drug shipments being sent to a Sydney-based furniture store.
On 22 July 2024, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined a shipping container at Port Botany containing two computer numerical control (CNC) machines. A powdered substance found inside tested positive for methamphetamine. Subsequent inquiries uncovered approximately 896 kilograms of the drug concealed within packages inside the machines. The drugs were removed, and the consignment was delivered to its intended destination in Warwick Farm on 31 July 2024.
According to police, two men examined and opened the container, using a forklift to handle the contents. Both were arrested, and the AFP executed search warrants at the Warwick Farm property, a home in Minto, and a vehicle. One man was released pending further inquiries.
A Winston Hills man has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, under the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment. The investigation continues, with further arrests expected.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty highlighted the potential impact of the seized drugs, stating that 896 kilograms of methamphetamine could have resulted in 8.9 million individual street deals, with an estimated street value of $828 million. “Methamphetamine is the second-most consumed illicit drug in Australia, affecting communities from homes to hospitals,” Det-Supt Fogarty said. He emphasised the commitment of law enforcement to uncover and prosecute those responsible for such activities.
ABF Acting Commander Asha Patwardhan praised the cooperation between agencies and international partners in intercepting the consignment. “Criminal syndicates will attempt to conceal their imports in whatever ways they can, but our ABF officers are expertly trained to identify anomalies,” Acting Commander Patwardhan said.
HSI Regional Attaché Ernest Verina reiterated the importance of international cooperation in combatting organised crime and preventing dangerous drugs from entering communities. He encouraged anyone with information about this consignment to contact Crime Stoppers, emphasising that reports can be made anonymously.
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