An alleged Spanish-based transnational organised crime syndicate accused of trafficking illicit drugs to Australia has been dismantled, with 11 people charged in Barcelona and Ibiza in Spain following an international police investigation.
The AFP provided intelligence to Spain's Guardia Civil in February, 2024, about a group suspected of trying to smuggle ketamine into Australia via international air mail, hidden inside stuffed Christmas toys and other household ornaments.
An investigation by Guardia Civil, with support from the AFP, resulted in the Guardia Civil and the Mossos d'Esquarda (Catalonian Police) executing search warrants at nine locations in Spain on 11 December, 2024, targeting alleged senior members of the syndicate. AFP officers were invited to Spain to provide investigative support for the resolution.
Eleven people have been arrested as part of the investigation.
During the search warrants, investigators seized methamphetamine, hashish, small amounts of cocaine and pink cocaine, as well as precision scales, vacuum sealers, mobile phones, computers, a safe, documents and cash.
The international police operation was launched following AFP's Operation Helidon, an investigation that started in Western Australia when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers found about 1.5kg of ketamine hidden in a package of Christmas toys. The consignment arrived in Perth from Spain on Christmas Day in 2023.
The AFP charged an Italian national, 27, in WA over his role in the import plot and he was convicted and sentenced in October, 2024, to three years' imprisonment for attempting to traffic in a controlled drug.
Encrypted messages on a mobile phone seized by the AFP as part of Operation Helidon were allegedly linked to a 39-year-old Italian national in Spain.
Further AFP inquiries resulted in the identification and seizure across Australia of another eight air mail consignments, which contained a total of 15kg of ketamine.
The AFP investigation, including forensic examination of the packages and other inquiries, allegedly identified evidence linking multiple consignments to the 39-year-old. Forensic and other evidence that could potentially identify additional suspects was also provided to Spanish authorities.
Ketamine is a sedative that can be used legally by medical practitioners and veterinarians but is illegal to be imported for recreational use.
The dissociative effects block sensory brain signals and effects can include memory loss, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat and seizures.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Pryce Scanlan said the international disruption showed what could be achieved when law enforcement agencies worked together across borders to combat transnational serious organised crime.
"Drug trafficking syndicates cause harm in every country they operate in - they impact national security and financial systems, and the downstream impacts of illicit drug use contribute to the road toll, family violence and pressure on busy hospitals," Assistant Commissioner Scanlan said.
"While some air mail imports may seem like relatively small amounts of illicit substances, any amount can cause significant harm. Users never know exactly what they're ingesting, what strength the drugs are, or what else has been mixed in.
"Criminals are not constrained by international borders and that is why it is so important for law enforcement agencies to work together to tackle them. I congratulate Guardia Civil and the Mossos d'Esquarda on these outcomes.
"The AFP's international partnerships and work offshore is vital for keeping Australians safe at home."
