THE AUSTRALIAN Federal Police (AFP) has charged a fourth person for their alleged role in a plot to import 87 kilograms of ketamine hidden inside a shipment of new vehicles.
Operation Meribel began in May last year after the AFP received intelligence from law enforcement partners about a criminal syndicate allegedly importing drugs hidden inside commercial vans.
Investigations from authorities identified a bulk cargo carrier transporting two new vehicles suspected to conceal the drugs, which arrived in Melbourne on 15 May, 2023.
The AFP alerted Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, who examined the vehicles and allegedly found drugs concealed inside panels of the vehicles.
The AFP seized 79 plastic bags containing 87kg of ketamine and replaced them with an inert substance, before putting the cars back on the cargo vessel for their intended destination in NSW.
After the vessel arrived in NSW, the vehicles were transported to a Sydney car dealership, where one was later collected.
Police were monitoring the vehicles when they allege two men stole one of the vehicles and removed the substances and placed them into a second vehicle.
It will be alleged police followed the men to the Sydney suburb of Yennora.
On 1 July, 2023, AFP officers followed the second vehicle to Smithfield, where they arrested the two men, now aged 29 and 30. Following further investigation, a third man, 23, was arrested on 14 September, 2023.
The three men were charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely ketamine.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The matters are currently before court.
The fourth man, 38, from the northern Melbourne suburb of Hadfield, was expected to appear before Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court today (3 December).
He was extradited to NSW last week following his arrest in Melbourne on the 28 November.
AFP detective superintendent Kristie Cressy said preventing 87kg of ketamine from reaching Australian communities was a significant win in the fight against the international illicit drug trade, and testament to the AFP’s strong relationships with partners in Australia and overseas.
“This operation shows transnational organised crime groups will send any substance they think they can make money from, with no care to the harm they cause,” she said.
“These criminals pose a significant threat to Australia’s economy, our security and our way of life.”
