News Centre

This is a joint media release with the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.

Editor’s note: Arrest footage is available via Hightail

A Sydney man has been sentenced to eight years’ and three months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of five years and nine months’, for importing 233kg of methamphetamine hidden in construction equipment.

The man, 37, was sentenced by the Downing Centre District Court today (8 November, 2024) after being found guilty by a jury in April, 2024.

The AFP launched Operation Cobberas in March 2022 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected 10 boxes containing structural supports, which had been exported from China.

Further examination of the structural supports revealed a white powdered substance secreted inside. Presumptive testing indicated the presence of methamphetamine, and the matter was referred to the AFP.

AFP investigators seized the consignment and deconstructed the structural supports, locating 233kg of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $70 million.

Following a two-month investigation, the AFP executed a search warrant at the man’s Auburn home in June, 2022 where he was arrested and charged.

The man was found guilty by a jury in April, 2024 of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

He was sentenced today (8 November, 2024), to eight years’ and three months’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of five years’ and nine months’.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said methamphetamine was an extremely addictive illicit drug that caused widespread harm.

“Criminals have little regard for how these drugs impact people, their families, and the community around them,” Det-Supt Fogarty said.

“This investigation highlights the importance of the collaboration between the AFP and our law enforcement partners to disrupt attempts by organised crime to import illicit drugs.

“Australia remains an attractive market for criminals seeking to import drugs, but the AFP is relentless in dismantling the syndicates behind the importations, wherever in the world they may be.”

ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said criminal groups were constantly looking to exploit and profit from the Australian market, however Border Force officers were constantly on watch.

“As the intelligence sharing capabilities between our federal partners continues to evolve and develop, ABF officers continue to develop their interception skills and knowledge – ensuring we are disrupting these criminal actors in their tracks,” Supt Leighton said.

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.