Police arrests five people in relation to Sydney cocaine and ice seizure

Five people have been arrested in Sydney today by Australian Federal Police (AFP) in conjunction with Joint Organised Crime Group (JOCG) investigators regarding an attempt to import cocaine and ice (crystal methamphetamine) into Australia.

The JOCG unites the AFP, Customs and Border Protection, NSW Police, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Crime Commission in a joint taskforce targeting organised crime.

Four men aged in their early 20’s, together with a 27-year-old female are scheduled to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (5 November) after being charged with a range of drug-related offences including import a border controlled drug and attempt to possess a border controlled drug, contrary to provisions of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act, 1995.  The maximum penalty for these offences is Life Imprisonment

Operation Copia began at Sydney Airport on 29 October when Australian Customs and Border Protection officers detected 24 kilograms of cocaine and 27 kilograms of ice concealed inside an 800kg piece of farming equipment that had arrived on a flight from Vancouver, Canada.

The drugs were divided into one kilogram blocks and bags and concealed inside the body of a tractor claw.

The estimated wholesale value of the seized drugs is $10 million.

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

AFP spokesperson Manager Sydney Office Brian McDonald said Operation Copia is another successful result for the AFP & JOCG. 

“This operation shows the AFP and its partner agencies are united in their commitment to combating organised crime and have the capability to target and shut down crime syndicates,” Commander McDonald said.

Customs and Border Protection Acting National Director Intelligence and Targeting, John Gibbon, congratulated all officers involved on the success of such an extensive joint response.

"This is a great intelligence driven result and demonstrates the commitment of all the officers involved to work together to achieve success," Mr Gibbon said.

NSW Police spokesperson Director Organised Crime Directorate State Crime Command Mal Lanyon said this result is a great example of the outstanding work and success that partnerships between State and Commonwealth agencies continue to achieve.

“NSW Police will continue to work with our partners to keep the community safe,” NSW Police Detective Chief Superintendent Lanyon said.

Media enquiries:

AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333

Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793

NSW Police Media (02) 8263 6100