Three men with alleged links to an Iranian organised crime syndicate have been charged after authorities intercepted an air cargo shipment containing boxes allegedly fabricated from methamphetamine.
AFP Acting Commander Peter Fogarty said the operation was a testament to law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling organised crime and keeping illicit drugs off Australian streets.
“These harmful drugs destroy lives, and no matter how elaborate the attempts to smuggle them in, the AFP and our partners will not stop pursuing criminal syndicates.”
A 40-year-old Melbourne man, a 41-year-old Baulkham Hills man, and a 46-year-old Telopea man have been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the men on Tuesday, 18 February, after the Australian Border Force (ABF) detected suspicious cargo from southwest Asia. The shipment, containing 400 hip flasks allegedly made from methamphetamine, was found to contain approximately 110kg of the drug—enough for 1.1 million street deals, with an estimated value of $101.75 million.
Authorities removed the methamphetamine before conducting a controlled delivery, which was allegedly accepted by the Telopea man. AFP investigators monitored him as he travelled to a western Sydney shopping centre, where he allegedly met with other members of the syndicate before taking the consignment to a Liverpool unit.
A short time later, AFP officers raided the property, where they allegedly found equipment used for extracting methamphetamine, items consistent with a drug lab, suspected proceeds of crime, and electronic devices for further examination.
Simultaneous raids were conducted at a Carlingford property linked to the importation plot. When AFP officers entered, the Melbourne man allegedly attempted to flee but was apprehended with the help of the NSW Police Force Canine Unit and taken to hospital with minor injuries. The Baulkham Hills man was arrested at the scene.
Authorities allege they uncovered an active clandestine laboratory at the Carlingford rental home. The NSW Police Drug & Firearms Squad Chemical Operations team dismantled the facility, seizing around 9kg of pre-manufactured methamphetamine and additional electronic devices.
ABF Commander Kari Ellis praised the inter-agency effort that prevented more than $100 million worth of methamphetamine from reaching the streets.
“ABF officers work around the clock to monitor air, sea, and mail cargo, and this detection is a direct result of our vigilance and intelligence-sharing.”
The three accused men appeared before Downing Centre Local Court and have been remanded in custody until their next hearing on 16 April 2025. Investigations remain ongoing.
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