A 26-year-old West Ryde man has faced a NSW Local Court accused of helping to import more than 16kg of illicit drugs concealed in international air-cargo packages.
He is the second person charged in an Australian Federal Police investigation that began in 2022, after Australian Border Force officers intercepted consignments containing liquid methamphetamine and cocaine hidden inside packages labelled as mashed potato packets, ink cartridges and coffee-machine parts.
Between July and September 2022, the parcels were addressed to locations in southwest Sydney, triggering a joint probe across multiple suburbs. In October that year, AFP investigators raided homes in Denham Court, Prestons and Warwick Farm, seizing 21 mobile phones, numerous SIM cards, drug paraphernalia, $18,000 in cash and small quantities of illicit substances.
A forensic review of one seized phone uncovered encrypted messages allegedly discussing drug deliveries to Warwick Farm and Denham Court, as well as anticipated profits. A 27-year-old man was charged in 2022 with attempting to possess and trafficking a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs. His matter remains before the court.
Following further inquiries, AFP officers arrested the 26-year-old man at a West Ryde home about 11.20am on Monday (9 December). He has been charged with four counts of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug — offences that carry a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Police will allege he used an encrypted communications platform to help facilitate the importation of 14.6kg of pure methamphetamine and 1.7kg of cocaine.
He was granted bail during his appearance on Tuesday (10 December) and is due back in Downing Centre Local Court on 3 February 2025.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the arrest showed the AFP’s determination to protect the community from illicit drugs.
“Stopping those allegedly responsible for bringing harmful drugs from reaching our community is not just a victory for law enforcement — it’s a win for every Australian,” he said.
ABF Superintendent Asha Patwardhan said joint intelligence efforts continued to unmask criminal groups attempting to exploit Australia’s borders.
“Detection capabilities only continue to improve and develop… regardless of time lapsed, our joint intelligence will flush out those who exploit the community for their own financial benefit,” she said.
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