The AFP has charged a Blue Mountains man over the alleged importation of trafficable quantities of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine.
The man, 51, appeared before Downing Centre Local Court yesterday (31 January, 2024) and is next scheduled to face the same court on on 27 March, 2024.
Investigations began in August 2023 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected 3.5g of suspected fentanyl concealed in a letter allegedly destined for the man's home in Glenbrook, NSW. The matter was subsequently referred to the AFP.
AFP investigators executed a search warrant at the Glenbrook residence on 9 October, 2023. During the search warrant, investigators seized 19 grams of heroin, 6.4 grams of methamphetamine and a significant cache of alleged drug paraphernalia.
Investigators additionally seized electronic devices which are subject to ongoing forensic examination.
The man, 51, was subsequently charged with:
- One count of importing a trafficable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely fentanyl, contrary to subsection 307.3 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- One count of importing a trafficable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to subsection 307.3 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- One count of unlawfully possessing trafficable quantities of an imported border controlled drug, namely (heroin), contrary to section 307.7 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of possessing trafficable quantities of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, namely (methamphetamine), contrary to section 307.7 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for each of these offences is 10 years' imprisonment.
AFP Acting Commander Tim Stainton said the AFP and its partners were committed to disrupting and prosecuting those involved in drug importations.
"Fentanyl is a highly addictive and potent opioid. Two micro grams is enough to constitute a fatal dose," Acting Commander Stainton said.
"The AFP is committed to identifying and charging individuals who seek to import these illicit drugs and ensure they appear before the courts.
"Fentanyl is an insidious drug that has ripple effects on the user, their loved ones and the wider Australian community."
ABF Acting Commander Raef McDonough said ABF officers undertook rigorous inspections in all facilities to ensure substances such as fentanyl stayed out of the Australian community.
"Fentanyl is an incredibly addictive substance, and is just one of the illicit substances our officers are detecting in packages and consignments," Commander McDonough said.
"We will continue to work closely with our federal and state counterparts to ensure the community does not see the adverse effects of domestic fentanyl distribution and importation."
What is Fentanyl:
Fentanyl is a fast-acting opioid that is highly addictive and acts on the same receptors in the body as heroin.
The drug is primarily used for medical purposes in Australia, but in overseas illicit drug markets it has been cut with heroin, often with fatal consequences.
Australian authorities have only ever detected illicit fentanyl importations in minor amounts - all less than 30g - with the first case in 2017.
Fentanyl sold illegally in Australia usually occurs in the form of patches used for medical treatment, which have been stolen or diverted from legitimate medical supplies. There is no precedent to place a street value on a large, bulk amount of the drug.
