Media Release
Sydney men charged over conspiracy to possess illicit drugs at Commonwealth facility
Editor’s note: Arrest vision available via Hightail.
Two Sydney men are expected to face the NSW Bail Division Local Court today (14 November, 2025) for their role in an alleged conspiracy to obtain unlawfully imported illicit drugs, following a break-in at a Commonwealth facility.
The men, aged 27 and 23, were each charged with:
- One count of conspiracy to possess a substance, the substance having been unlawfully imported, the substance being a border-controlled drug, and the quantity being a commercial quantity, contrary and 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, contrary to section 114(1)(b) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
The men face life imprisonment for the Commonwealth charge and seven years’ imprisonment for the state offence. The men were refused police bail and remanded into custody.
Police will allege the men organised and facilitated a break in at a Commonwealth facility in Matraville, and planned a second attempt on the same facility the following day.
An AFP investigation began on 10 November, 2025, after two unidentified individuals were captured on CCTV breaching the facility’s perimeter fence using bolt cutters, inspecting shipping containers, and attempting to gain entry to secure areas before fleeing the scene.
NSW Police Force (NSWPF) officers responded and recovered a duffle bag containing bolt cutters, gloves, and other implements believed to have been used in the attempted break-in. The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
Early the following morning (11 November, 2025), NSWPF officers patrolling the Port Botany area stopped and searched a suspicious vehicle with three passengers, including the two men.
NSWPF officers found orange bolt cutters, a black duffle bag, and a face covering similar to what was seen on the CCTV footage.
AFP officers executed search warrants in the western Sydney suburbs of Revesby and Werrington on Thursday, 13 November, 2025. Items seized included electronic devices, tools – including orange bolt cutters and a spanner – balaclavas and other items of clothing.
Forensic analysis of the devices allegedly revealed conversations between the accused relating to the planning and execution of the offence, including offers of payment for assistance, and arrangements for transport and coordination.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Amy Knox said breaking into docks, storage yards, warehouses or other facilities for nefarious purposes was dangerous.
“This practice is extremely dangerous, it puts people’s lives at risk, and will not to be tolerated by authorities,” Det a/Insp Knox said.
“The AFP and Australian Border Force are alive to criminals using tracking devices to monitor containers concealing illicit commodities once they arrive in Australia.
“We allege these men expected to find illicit drugs and were equipped to break into the facility and possess them.
“Our investigation remains ongoing to determine other individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy.”
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.
