October 11th 2024.
On Friday, a joint operation between the Australian Federal Police and the NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit resulted in the dismantling of two illegal drug labs in Sydney's western suburbs. Four individuals, three men and one woman, were arrested and charged for their suspected involvement in the large-scale production and distribution of methamphetamine. The operation was carried out after five search warrants were executed in various suburbs in southwest and western Sydney.
The investigation began in September when a dual Mexican-Colombian national, who was believed to have ties to organized crime, arrived at Sydney Airport. The 53-year-old was flagged by the Australian Border Force and referred to the AFP. It is alleged that while in town, the dual national was making preparations to set up a clandestine laboratory. He has since been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine.
According to authorities, the dual national met with a 33-year-old man from Greystanes at a property in western Sydney on September 28, 2024. It is alleged that in the following days, the 33-year-old transported a container of suspected precursor chemicals to the same property. During the search of the property, investigators also uncovered a small cache of weapons, including an assault rifle. The Greystanes man is also accused of storing suspected drug manufacturing materials in a rented storage facility in Wentworthville.
During a search of the Greystanes man's home, officers seized approximately $1 million in cash, 12kg of cocaine, 10kg of methamphetamine, and an encrypted communications device. The 33-year-old has been charged with five offenses, including manufacturing a controlled substance for commercial purposes and trafficking in commercial quantities of controlled drugs.
Geoff Quinn, Director of Border Intelligence at the ABF, emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant for individuals who travel to Australia with the intention of committing crimes. He stated that criminal tourism, including importing and manufacturing illicit drugs, is a constant threat and that the ABF will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners to combat this issue.
In a separate operation, AFP officers attended a property in southwest Sydney and arrested a 34-year-old man who was in the process of extracting chemicals. Inside the second clandestine laboratory, police discovered 120kg of methamphetamine. The man and a 47-year-old woman who was also present at the property were both charged with manufacturing a controlled substance for commercial purposes.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy stated that the agency is dedicated to making Australia a hostile environment for criminal syndicates. She commended the efforts of all the partners involved in this operation, particularly the ABF and NSW Police, and stressed the significance of preventing drug profits from flowing back into the hands of organized crime.
Both clandestine laboratories were dismantled by NSW Police Chemical Operations. All four individuals are expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court today. If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline or Turning Point for free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs at 1800 250 015. Support is also available through Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Let's work together to combat the devastating effects of drug use in our communities.
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