Second Charged in Sydney $92M Meth Import Bust

The AFP has charged a second person for their alleged role in a transnational drug trafficking plot to import 100kg of methamphetamine into Australia, worth an estimated $92 million.

The Riverwood man, 31, appeared before Downing Centre Local Court yesterday (6 November, 2024) where he was formally refused bail.

An AFP investigation, codenamed Operation Eumundi, began in October 2024 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected about 100kg of methamphetamine concealed within computer towers.

The ABF alerted the AFP, with officers removing the illicit drugs before the consignment was released to a storage unit in Kingsgrove, NSW.

A Malaysian national, 45, was arrested and charged last week after he allegedly took possession of the electronic goods.

AFP officers executed additional search warrants at Burwood, Riverwood and West Gosford as part of Operation Eumundi on 5 November, 2024.

During a search warrant at the man's Riverwood home, officers seized about 20 mature cannabis plants, a small amount of a white crystalline substance, and two mobile phones.

One mobile phone allegedly contained conversations relating to the Kingsgrove storage unit and images of suspected methamphetamine and cannabis.

The man was subsequently arrested and charged with:

• One count of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine contrary to subsection 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
• One count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine contrary to subsection 307.5(1) by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for both offences is life imprisonment.

The Riverwood man is expected to next appear in court on 8 January, 2025.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said criminals were motivated by greed and would go to any lengths to import harmful drugs into Australia.

"Methamphetamine, like all illicit drugs, causes psychological, financial and social harm to users, their loved ones, and the broader community," Det-A/Supt Millen said.

"This amount of methamphetamine could have been sold as about one million street level deals.

"The AFP and partners are committed to protecting the community from the scourge of drugs and to targeting individuals who seek to profit from the illicit trade."

Inquiries as part of Operation Eumundi are ongoing.