Five men have been arrested in two countries over a failed bid to import 36kg of cocaine worth $11.6 million into Australia.
In Chile earlier this month, the Policia de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI) took apart two pieces of mining equipment destined for Australia and found the cocaine.
The PDI removed the cocaine, reassembled the equipment and, with the support of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), sent it on its way.
The AFP says they saw a Western Sydney man, 26, collect the shipment and take it to a residential property at St Mary’s. They say investigators heard drilling and grinding noises from the property.
The 26-year-old was arrested, as was a 37-year-old Western Sydney man, as they allegedly tried to open the equipment. Police say they found angle grinders, cutting discs, safety equipment and sledgehammers.
Both men were charged with trying to import cocaine and possession of a commercial quantity of cocaine.
They appeared in Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, October 15, and were refused bail; they are due to reappear in court on December 19.
CHILE ARRESTS
After the Australian arrests, the AFP’s South American office supplied the evidence to the PDI which allowed them to raid four properties in Ovalle, Serena and San Miguel.
During the raids, three men were arrested and mobile phones and mining equipment seized.
All three men were charged with illicit association and drug trafficking offences.
AFP Commander Kate Ferry said these arrests attest to the action that the AFP will take to stop criminal threats even before they reach Australia.
“Organised crime groups routinely seek to exploit vulnerabilities at gateways around the world; the AFP, alongside partners such as the Investigative Police of Chile, are committed to disrupting these groups and bringing them before the courts,” she says.
“To anyone lured in by the false promise of riches from drug importations, these offences carry the potential of life in jail in Australia and offshore.”
DRUG SUPPORT
The following services provide people with access to support and information about alcohol and other drug treatment services:
- For free and confidential advice, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- Visit the Turning Point website.
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