DETECTIVES have charged two men as part of investigations into the alleged importation of more than $3.5 million worth of ephedrine hidden in vehicle parts.
Officers from Australian Border Force targeted a consignment which arrived in Sydney from India on 17 December.
The air cargo consignment was examined at the Sydney Container Examination Facility by ABF officers.
The consignment was found to contain nearly 50kg of powder concealed within the items.
The powder was tested and returned a presumptive positive result for ephedrine with an estimated potential street value of more than $3.5m.
After inquiries, detectives, with assistance from Strike Force Raptor Highway, arrested two men – aged 39 and 48 – during two separate vehicle stops at Georges Hall about 1pm yesterday (Monday 21 December 2020).
Police raided properties at Bankstown and Picnic Point, where detectives seized various substances believed to be prohibited drugs, documentation, computers and electronic storage devices
Investigators also seized 50kg of iodine, which has an estimated potential street value of $50,000.
The men were taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged.
Police will claim the men were involved in the large-scale importation of illicit drugs.
The men were denied bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court.
