The multi-agency operation began in September when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney Container Examination Facility, allegedly noticed anomalies in the consignment of 18 pallets, each carrying 105 ingots.
An examination revealed a white powder secreted within each ingot, with initial tests allegedly indicating it was cocaine with an estimated street value of $104.85 million.
Last Tuesday the joint investigation team, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and international law enforcement agencies, executed search warrants in Auburn and Castle Hill, and arrested a 61-year-old UK citizen and a 49-year-old Auburn man.
They have each been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine.
During the search at Auburn, police allegedly seized a small quantity of aluminium ingots, keys to a storage facility allegedly used to take delivery of the shipment, and electronic devices.
AFP commander Kirsty Schofield said the joint investigation would not have been possible without significant transnational cooperation.
“Organised crime networks see Australia as an attractive market to target, due to the high demand for drugs in this country,” she said.
NSW Police Force Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith also issued a warning to any criminal network considering importing a border controlled drug.
“You face a life sentence,” he said.
A 34-YEAR-OLD woman has charged with murder after the death of a man following an alleged domestic-related incident at Granville on Saturday evening.
Emergency services were called to a home on Blaxcell Street at 7.30pm and found a 34-year-old man with serious injuries along with the 34-year-old woman who was also injured.
The man was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital where he later died.
The woman was also taken under police guard to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition before being charged, with investigations continuing.
Sexual touching arrest
A Lidcombe man has been charged following an alleged sexual touching on George Street in Sydney last week.
A 23-year-old woman reported being approached by an unknown man and allegedly sexually touched about 5pm on Thursday, November 21.
Police commenced an investigation into the incident and, following a public appeal for information, a 35-year-old man attended Day Street Police Station about 9.30pm on Saturday, November 23.
He has been charged with sexually touch another person without consent and granted strict bail conditions.
Struck by train death
AN investigation is underway following the death of a man who was struck by a train at Merrylands in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Emergency services called to Railway Terrace shortly before 2am, found the man suffering critical head injuries.
Police and paramedics rendered first aid; however, the man died at the scene.
Officers are investigating reports two other people may have also been in the rail corridor at the time the man was hit by the train.
A report will be prepared for the information of the NSW Coroner.
