Media Release
NSW man charged for alleged role in US drug trafficking operation
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Vision and images of the items seized are available via Hightail.
A Sydney man is expected to face Downing Centre Local Court today (12 June, 2025) over his alleged role in a United States-based drug trafficking operation which imported 48kg of illicit drugs into Australia over three months.
The man, 38, is charged with:
- One count of aiding and abetting the importation of a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- Two counts of dealing in property reasonably suspected of being the proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- One count of unauthorised possession of pistols, contrary to section 7 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW); and
- One count of supplying a prohibited drug not less than the commercial quantity, contrary to section 25(2) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (Cth).
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for the drug offence and three years for the proceeds of crime offence.
The man was arrested as part of Operation Evandale, which began in December, 2023, after Australian Border Force officers intercepted 24 separate consignments from the United States containing illicit drugs over three months.
The consignments allegedly contained about 18kg of methamphetamine and 30kg of cocaine in total.
Police allege the man monitored the consignments while they were in transit and was prepared to collect them once they arrived in Australia.
It’s also alleged he received $125,000 in suspected proceeds of crime and laundered it on behalf of two individuals.
The man was arrested in the Gold Coast on Tuesday and extradited to NSW yesterday (11 June, 2025). Investigators seized three mobile phones in his possession.
Two search warrants were also executed at homes in Condell Park and Padstow on 10 June, 2025.
Items seized from the warrants included about $100,000 in cash and five balaclavas found at Condell Park, and about $24,800 cash, 1kg of cocaine, ammunition, and four pistols found in the roof of the Padstow home.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said anyone involved in propping up criminal operations was committing a crime, irrespective of where they sat in the syndicate’s hierarchy.
“Moving illicit cash and drugs are not minor offences and negatively impact Australia’s economy and health care system,” Det Supt Blunden said.
“The AFP and its law-enforcement partners share a common goal to protect our community by ensuring harmful drugs do not infiltrate our streets.
“This arrest should send a strong warning to criminals that if you participate in illegal activities, the AFP will apprehend and prosecute you.”
ABF Superintendent Asha Patwardhan said criminal syndicates will attempt various different import streams to bring their illicit goods into the country.
“Organised crime want to exploit any vulnerability they can identify to smuggle their goods in and boost their profits – they do not care about the harm it can cause to the community.
“ABF will continue to work closely with our border protection and law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle their deceitful business models.”
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.
