Two Sydney men have been jailed for their involvement in the importation of 13.2 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in two shipments of vehicle parts. The drugs had an estimated street value of $3.96 million.
The men appeared at the Downing Centre District Court yesterday (11 October 2021) where they were sentenced to jail.
The 32-year-old Roselands man was sentenced to four years and six months' jail, with a non-parole period of two years and ten months. He is eligible for parole on 23 July 2024.
The 28-year-old Narwee man was sentenced to four years' in jail, with a non-parole period of two years and six months. He is eligible for parole on 21 January 2024.
The results of the joint investigation between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force were announced in September 2020 following the seizure of the illicit drugs and arrest of the two men that month. The details of the investigation and arrests are available via this media release.
On 1 June 2021, both men pleaded guilty in Downing Centre District Court to attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug.
AFP Detective Superintendent Matthew Ciantar said the joint efforts of officers in this investigation stopped 132,000 street deals from causing a domino effect of harm in our community.
"Organised crime syndicates fuel their criminal activities through the sale of illicit drugs in Australia. Every arrest and illicit drug or cash seizure disrupts the illegal operations of criminal syndicates" Det. Supt. Ciantar said.
"This investigation ensured that $3.96 million did not reach the pockets of organised criminals who exploit vulnerable Australians and the significantly high demand for illicit drugs in Australia."
ABF Commander Port Operations East, Susan Drennan, said this is another excellent example of commonwealth law enforcement agencies working together to stop illicit substances crossing our border.
"Protecting the Australian community from harmful substances is a top priority for the ABF. Our officers are well equipped to stop illicit drug importation, no matter how it is concealed," Commander Drennan said.
"The ABF works closely every day with our law enforcement partners across the country, to stop harmful substances from reaching the Australian community, and to bring those who attempt to import them to justice."
