A Western Sydney man appeared before Parramatta Local Court (16 November 2024) after being charged for allegedly orchestrating the importation of 237kg of MDMA into Australia.
The 47-year-old was arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers at Sydney International Airport yesterday evening (15 November) upon returning to the country. Authorities allege the man played a central role in a sophisticated smuggling operation uncovered through a year-long investigation, Operation Casarabe.
The probe began in November 2023 when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected a shipping container from Germany, ostensibly carrying new car parts.
Hidden within 12 boxes of the shipment, officers discovered 237kg of MDMA. The drugs were removed before the consignment was delivered under police surveillance to a western Sydney logistics facility connected to the man’s company.
At the man’s Meadowbank home in November 2023, AFP officers say he claimed the importation was arranged on behalf of another person, later alleged to be a fabricated identity.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the property in May 2024, seizing electronic devices and uncovering further evidence allegedly linking the man to the operation.
Among the items found was a concealed compartment in one of the man’s vehicles containing an encrypted communications device. Further forensic analysis revealed links to offshore cryptocurrency accounts and the email address used to coordinate the shipment.
On his arrest yesterday, AFP officers seized $576,000 in cryptocurrency, suspected to be proceeds of crime. The man faces multiple charges, including:
- Attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug (MDMA).
- Dealing with suspected proceeds of crime exceeding $100,000.
- Possessing a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device.
AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen described the investigation as “clinical and dedicated,” emphasising the AFP’s commitment to targeting drug syndicates.
“The lengths this individual allegedly went through to import this insidious substance shows the extremes criminal groups will go to in search of profits,” he said.
ABF Acting Superintendent Marc Rea said the interception likely prevented tens of millions of street deals.
“MDMA capsules and tablets are often cut with toxic agents, posing immense risks to the community. This detection demonstrates the ABF’s unwavering focus on disrupting criminal supply chains and protecting lives,” a/Supt Rea said.
The man remains in custody and will face court today. Investigations into the broader criminal network continue.
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