Drug arrests disrupt transnational criminal syndicate

Two Hong Kong nationals have been arrested over the attempted importation of approximately 30 kilograms of methamphetamine into Sydney, the result of an investigation by the Joint Organised Crime Group (JOCG).

The JOCG is a taskforce targeting organised crime and comprises the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, NSW Police Force, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Crime Commission.

The methamphetamine, seized from two sea cargo containers at Port Botany, has a wholesale value of approximately $4.9 million.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with Commonwealth offences includingimporting and attempting to possess a border controlled drug, which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

He is scheduled to appear in Sydney’s Central Local Court today.

A second man is expected to be charged this afternoon and will be appearing in Sydney Central Local court at a later date.

Operation Furrow commenced on 13 December when Australian Customs and Border Protection officers in Sydney targeted sea cargo consignments that had arrived from Shekou, China.

Customs and Border Protection officers detected the drugs inside the frames of the shipping containers.

The JOCG conducted search warrants today at Haymarket, Glenwood and Potts Point and also seized a number of items relevant to this investigation, including a small quantity of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine located at Potts Point.

Police subsequently arrested the alleged offenders at Haymarket and Potts Point.

Investigations are ongoing and police have not ruled out further arrests.

AFP Acting Manager Serious and Organised Crime Chris Sheehan said this seizure was another successful result for the JOCG.

“This operation shows that the diverse skills and collaborative powers of the JOCG have the capability to target and disrupt transnational crime syndicates,” Superintendent Sheehan said.

Customs and Border Protection National Manager of Sea Cargo and International Mail Graham Krisohos said the investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of Australian law enforcement agencies to detect even the most sophisticated drug concealment methods.

“Customs and Border Protection along with other law enforcement agencies continue to adapt its technology and targeting capabilities to counter the evolving methods used by drug importation syndicates,” Mr Krisohos said.

Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, Acting Director of NSW Police Force's Organised Crime Directorate said today's arrests are the product of excellent cooperation between NSW Police and other agencies committed to reducing organised crime.

"Our work doesn't stop here, however. We will continue to work with our national and transnational law-enforcement partners to keep drugs off our streets," Detective Superintendent Katsogiannis said.

Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793
NSW Police Media (02) 8263 6100