A Liverpool man is scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (23 October, 2024) charged over his alleged role in the attempted importation of 60kg of methamphetamine into New South Wales.
In September 2024, authorities in the United States located 95kg of methamphetamine from a sea-cargo consignment destined to travel from Los Angeles, United States to Sydney, Australia. US authorities removed the illicit drugs before the vessel travelled to Australia.
The AFP investigation identified that once the drugs arrived in Australia they were intended to be left inside a vehicle in a public carpark in Maroubra for collection.
On 22 October, 2024, the AFP left packages in a vehicle which contained a harmless substance weighing a total of 60kg.
That morning, AFP officers allegedly observed the man, 36, inspecting the vehicle, retrieving a key from under the bumper, and getting inside and turning on the car.
The man was subsequently arrested by the AFP and charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs, namely 60kg of methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP officers subsequently searched another vehicle that the man had arrived at the area in, and seized three prepaid SIM card packs, about $100,000 in cash, a phone, and an iPad.
Investigators also searched the man's home, where they found small amounts of green vegetable matter and white powder; and a Closed Circuit Television system (CCTV).
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said the 60kg of methamphetamine, over which the man was charged, would have equated to 600,000 street deals.
"Methamphetamine, like all illicit drugs, causes psychological, financial and social harm to users, their loved ones, and the broader community," Det-Supt Cressy said.
"Criminals do not care about the harm they cause, they are motivated by the profits they can make.
"Across Australia, there were 10,100 methamphetamine-related hospitalisations in 2021-2022 - which equates to more than 27 every day on average. This has an impact on the health system that can negatively affect the entire community*.
"Investigations like this show the resolve and relentlessness of our investigators in making Australia a hostile environment for organised crime."
Investigations are ongoing.
*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2024 analysis.
