A MAN has been charged as part of ongoing joint investigations into the alleged importation of cocaine concealed in an air cargo consignment.
Earlier this month, Australian Border Force officers identified inconsistencies in a package examined, which had arrived into Sydney from Greece.
During a subsequent deconstruction, the consignment was found to contain 13 kilograms of an unknown substance concealed within what the ABF said was “a steering console of a boat tender”.
The contents were tested and returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine, which the ABF said has a potential street value of $5.8 million.
Joint inquiries were subsequently commenced by the Organised Crime Squad under Strike Force Mactier, together with the Australian Federal Police and NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC).
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 34-year-old man during a vehicle stop at Bay Road, Waverton, about 1pm Tuesday (16 February 2021).
The vehicle was searched, and detectives seized $7690 cash, mobile phones and sim cards.
Later that day, officers raided a home on Cromer Street, Cromer, where investigators seized a mobile phone, sim card, steroid tablets and documentation.
The ABF said all items seized will be subject to further examination.
The man was taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with possess commercial quantity suspect illegal import border-controlled drug, deal with property proceeds of crime and possess anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent.
The man was refused bail to appear before Manly Local Court on Wednesday.
Investigations under Strike Force Mactier are ongoing.
