The AFP has charged a fourth person for their alleged role in a plot to import 87kg of ketamine hidden inside a shipment of new vehicles.
The man, 38, from the northern Melbourne suburb of Hadfield, is expected to appear before Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court today (3 December, 2024). He was extradited to NSW last week following his arrest in Melbourne on Thursday, 28 November, 2024.
It will be alleged the man was responsible for overseeing the venture and gave instructions to the other alleged offenders.
Operation Meribel began in May, 2023, after the AFP received intelligence from law enforcement partners about a criminal syndicate allegedly importing drugs hidden inside commercial vans.
Investigations identified a bulk cargo carrier transporting two new vehicles suspected to conceal the drugs, which arrived in Melbourne on 15 May, 2023.
The AFP alerted Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, who examined the vehicles and allegedly found drugs concealed inside panels of the vehicles.
The AFP seized 79 plastic bags containing 87kg of ketamine and replaced them with an inert substance, before putting the cars back on the cargo vessel for their intended destination in NSW.
After the vessel arrived in NSW, the vehicles were transported to a Sydney car dealership, where one was later collected.
Police were monitoring the vehicles when they allege two men stole one of the vehicles and removed the substances and placed them into a second vehicle.
It will be alleged police followed the men to the Sydney suburb of Yennora. On 1 July, 2023, AFP officers followed the second vehicle to Smithfield, where they arrested the two men, now aged 29 and 30.
Following further investigation, a third man, 23, was arrested on 14 September, 2023.
The three men were charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely ketamine.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. These matters are currently before court.
The Hadfield man was charged with:
- One count of joint commission of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely ketamine, contrary to subsection 307.8(1) by virtue of sections 11.2A(1) and 11.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to a judicial power, being a judicial power of the Commonwealth, contrary to section 43(1) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment and 10 years' imprisonment, respectively.
Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said preventing 87kg of ketamine from reaching Australian communities was a significant win in the fight against the international illicit drug trade and testament to the AFP's strong relationships with partners in Australia and overseas.
"Ketamine is a dangerous sedative used illicitly as a 'date rape' drug. Its dissociative effects block sensory brain signals and can cause memory loss, feelings of being detached from one's body and the inability to perceive dangers." Det-Supt Cressy said.
"This operation shows transnational organised crime groups will send any substance they think they can make money from, with no care to the harm they cause. These criminals pose a significant threat to Australia's economy, our security and our way of life.
"Investigations like these are a testament to the strong working relationships the AFP has with law enforcement agencies around the world and show our resolve to make a hostile environment for organised crime."
ABF Superintendent Dan Peters said the detection served as yet another deterrent for transnational organised crime.
"ABF works closely with its partner agencies, including AFP, in its objective to dismantle criminal enterprises and safeguard the Australian community," Supt Peters said.
"By utilising shared intelligence, expertise, and resources, we remain steadfast in our commitment to intercept the flow of illegal goods and to prevent criminals from establishing a foothold within the highly lucrative illicit drug market."
