A man will face court today charged as part of an ongoing joint investigation into the alleged importation of GBL and anabolic steroids into NSW.
Last year, the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad, together with Australian Border Force (ABF), established Strike Force McDougal to investigate the importation and supply of prohibited drugs into NSW.
In December 2019, ABF officers intercepted mail and air cargo consignments from Hong Kong, with presumptive testing returning a positive indicator for gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).
ABF officers intercepted further parcels from China and Hong Kong allegedly containing 3.4L of GBL and performance enhancing drugs including testosterone powder and anabolic steroids.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, with assistance from ABF investigators, Operation ODIN and Kings Cross Police Area Command, executed a search warrant at a unit at Potts Point just before 6am today (Friday 1 May 2020).
During the search, officers seized $5000 cash, two mobile phones and electronic equipment.
Investigators also seized GBL and anabolic steroids, as well as equipment consistent with the supply of prohibited drugs.
All items seized during the investigation will undergo forensic testing.
A 42-year-old man was arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station where he was charged with 15 offences including;
- import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug (x3),
- intentionally import prohibited tier 1 goods (x4),
- import prohibited imports (x6),
- supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), and
- deal with property proceeds of crime.
It will be alleged in court that the man was involved in the importation of prohibited drugs and anabolic steroids between December 2019 and April 2020.
It will be further alleged the man was involved in the supply of prohibited drugs and anabolic steroids across Sydney.
The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.
Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman, said Strike Force McDougal is another example of many cohesive law enforcement partnerships tackling large-scale drug importation and supply.
"Our joint investigations have been extremely effective in disrupting the activities of this man who was allegedly importing prohibited substances into NSW – and we're not done yet," Det Supt Fileman said.
"Investigations under Strike Force McDougal are continuing and together with Australian Border Force, we will continue targeting those that chose to put others' lives at risk," Det Supt Fileman said.
ABF Commander Investigations Graeme Grosse said this was another great example of State and Commonwealth law enforcement agencies, working together to protect the community.
"The ABF works closely with our NSW Police colleagues on a daily basis to protect the Australian community from the threat of illicit drugs," Mr Grosse said.
"Criminals who attempt to import these types of substances should know, no matter where you hide it or how complex the concealment, the ABF and our partner agencies will find it and bring you to justice."
A French Bulldog that resides within the Potts Points unit was not harmed during the operation and remains in the care of friends.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force McDougal investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
