(LAWFUEL) – A joint Australian Federal Police (AFP) and NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC)investigation has led to the arrest of a 29-year-old Bondi man for the alleged importation of 100 kilograms of cocaine.
A search warrant was executed at the man’s residential address this morning where he was arrested and charged by AFP officers for the alleged importation of the cocaine dating back to February 2008.
The drugs were concealed in nineteen tonnes of volcanic pavers that arrived via shipment from Mexico.
The joint investigation commenced after it was identified that a shipping container containing the drugs had arrived in Australia.
AFP National Manager Border and International, Tim Morris, said the successful operation was a significant achievement for Australian law enforcement agencies. “The disruption of this transnational syndicate is an example of strong cooperation between State and Federal agencies working together against the global problem of drug trafficking,” Assistant Commissioner Morris said.
The cocaine had a potential street value over $18.5 million. The man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled
drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment and/or a $825,000 fine.
The man was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Sydney Central Local Court on Wednesday 18 February, 2009.
