NSW-based drug organised crime syndicate dismantled, four men arrested

18 September 2024, 1:36pm

Media Release

NSW-based drug organised crime syndicate dismantled, four men arrested

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The AFP has disrupted a NSW-based organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in the manufacture, importation and supply of methamphetamine, as well as the trafficking of cocaine, in Australia.

The AFP launched an investigation, codenamed Operation Kraken-Teth, into the criminal syndicate in March, 2024, which has resulted in charges against four men, aged 23, 29, 30 and 26, from western Sydney.

It will be alleged the four men used the Ghost encrypted communications device to engage in criminal activities. Using intelligence obtained from Operation Kraken, AFP officers executed a search warrant at a Mount Druitt house on 17 May, 2024 and located a clandestine laboratory allegedly used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Officers located and seized 1.5kg of pseudoephedrine and 500g of methamphetamine. A Silverdale man, 23, was arrested at the address and charged with two counts of supplying prohibited drugs which is not less than the commercial quantity, contrary to section 25(2) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW).

The maximum penalty for this offence is 20 years’ imprisonment.

The AFP will allege the man used the encrypted communications device to facilitate drug supply.

The man is next expected to appear in Penrith Local Court on 11 October, 2024.

As part of the investigation into the criminal syndicate, AFP officers identified a Castlereagh man, 30, allegedly linked to the importation of two consignments of methamphetamine, weighing 8kg and 10kg respectively, sent to Australia via air mail.

The first consignment, which contained 8kg of methamphetamine, was sent from Canada in April, 2024. The second consignment, sent from Mexico and destined for Australia, contained 10kg of methamphetamine.

The AFP will allege the man was linked to both consignments, using a falsely subscribed phone service.

AFP officers executed a search warrant at the man’s Castlereagh home on 18 July, 2024. During the search, investigators located electronic devices, including three mobile phones, which were seized for further forensic examination.

The man was arrested and charged with one count of contravening a requirement where the warrant relates to a serious offence, to wit, attempt to import commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.

The Castlereagh man was re-arrested and charged with a further seven offences after the AFP executed a search warrant at his Castlereagh home today (17 September, 2024).
He was charged with:

One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled precursor, namely pseudoephedrine, contrary to section 307.11(1) by virtue of section 11.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
One count of manufacturing a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 305.5(1) by virtue of section 11.2(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1(1) by virtue of section 11.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
One count of knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited firearm (handgun), contrary to subsection 51(1A)(a) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW);
One count of possessing a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device to commit serious criminal activity, contrary to section 192P(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW);
One count of dealing with suspected proceeds of indictable crime greater than $100,000, contrary to section 400.9(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
One count of knowingly directing activities of criminal group, contrary to section 93T(4A) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

He is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 18 September, 2024.

A third man, 29, was identified as part of the AFP investigation into the criminal syndicate for allegedly importing 6.4kg of methamphetamine into Australia, in June 2024.

AFP officers executed a search warrant of the man’s Oran Park home in August, 2024 and located four plastic bags containing a white powdered substance located in a designer handbag. Further testing indicated a positive result for cocaine.

The man’s mobile phone was seized, and further examination identified a series of conversations allegedly discussing drug trafficking and a ‘dummy run’ importation containing 3kg of sea salt.

The Oran Park man was arrested and charged with trafficking in a substance, the substance being a controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 302.4 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.

He appeared in Downing Centre Local Court today (17 September, 2024).

A fourth man, 26, was arrested on 17 September, 2024, after AFP officers executed a search warrant at his Cranebrook home.

He has been charged with three offences:

One count of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 305.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
One count of knowingly taking part of in the supply of a prohibited firearm, contrary to subsection 51(1A)(a) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW); and
One count of possessing a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device for certain purposes, contrary to section 192P of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

He is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 18 September, 2024.