Media Release
Eighth person charged over alleged role in large-scale meth manufacturing syndicate
This is a joint media release between the AFP and Aistralian Border Force
A man is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (14 May, 2025) for his alleged role in a syndicate responsible for the large-scale manufacture and supply of methamphetamine in Sydney.
The Tamarama man, 46, was arrested yesterday (13 May, 2025) at AFP Eastern Command headquarters in Sydney and charged with three offences, being:
- Pre-traffic commercial quantity of controlled precursor, contrary to section 306.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), by virtue of section 11.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment;
- Commit offence for benefit of organisation, contrary to section 390.5 (1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment; and
- A person who is found on, or who is found entering or leaving, drug premises, contrary to section 36X(1)(b) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985. This offence has a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
The man is the eighth person charged under an investigation launched in September, 2024, after the AFP received intelligence from Australian Border Force (ABF) following the arrival at Sydney Airport of a dual Mexican-Colombian national.
AFP investigators, with assistance from the NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit, discovered two clandestine laboratories, $1 million cash, 130kg of methamphetamine and 12kg of cocaine in western Sydney in October, 2024.
Seven people have been charged as a result of the investigation.
Following an appeal for public assistance, the Tamarama man was identified and charged
The AFP will allege this man was a key figure in a criminal group manufacturing illicit drugs in Sydney, and was responsible for coordinating the arrival and living arrangements of a Mexican-Colombian national who allegedly established a clandestine laboratory.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty praised the unwavering commitment from AFP investigators to target criminal networks and keep Australians safe from the growing threat of illicit drugs.
“Criminal syndicates involved in drug manufacturing do not care about the harm they cause to Australian communities – they put our community at risk for their own greed,” Det Supt Fogarty said.
“This investigation has prevented millions of dollars of drug profit flowing back into the syndicate to fund their next criminal venture.
“Clandestine labs represent a significant risk to the community; they are highly volatile and pose significant health and safety risks to criminals, drugs users and members of the wider community who may be unlucky enough to be living near one.
“We would like to thank the community for their valuable assistance in this investigation.”
ABF Superintendent Geoff Quinn said the work of both ABF intelligence and front-line officers leads to significant outcomes including arrests and charges such as these.
“ABF are on the front line every single day ensuring Australia’s borders are protected from criminals attempting to import drugs and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our community,” Superintendent Quinn said.
“This outcome demonstrates another highly effective collaboration in which the ABF and AFP have worked together to protect the community."
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
