Man arrested over '$8m heroin haul found in kids' clothing'
Drug smugglers tried to disguise kilos of heroin as "copy paper" in a shipment of children's clothing from Asia.
But police uncovered the scam after X-raying the consignment and noticing that arrived in Sydney from Thailand on May 1.
Tests on the paper were positive for heroin totalling 16 kilograms, with a potential street value of $8 million.
The joint operation by NSW Police and Australian Border Force later led to the arrest of a man, 45, in Cabramatta, in Sydney's west.
At the Cabramatta property, police also allegedly uncovered a number of mobile phones, documentation, and 27 cases of Johnny Walker Blue Label, with an estimated retail value of more than $30,000.
The man was charged with commercial drug supply and refused bail ahead of a court appearance in July.
NSW Police Drug and Firearms Squad Detective Chief Inspector Jason Weinstein said investigators are focusing on the supply chain, both here and abroad.
"With the seizure of 16kg of heroin, we know we have put a decent dent in availability on the street, but we can't stop there; we will continue our inquiries into where it came from and where it was going," Det Ch Insp Weinstein said.
"Further to that, we will harness the skills of our partner agencies, including the Australian Border Force, to stop the importation and large-scale supply of drugs which continue to plague our community.
"The most important thing we need is a commitment from the community to change the perception and acceptance of drugs, and dramatically reduce the demand for all illicit substances," Det Ch Insp Weinstein said.
ABF Superintendent Investigations NSW, Garry Low, said heroin is a destructive drug that harms the users, their family, friends and the Australian community.
"Heroin is extremely addictive and destructive, it rips apart families and does untold damage to those who become trapped in its grip," Superintendent Low said.
"Keeping these illicit substances out of the hands of those who seek to make a profit from vulnerable members of our society is a high priority for the ABF."
Further arrests are expected.
AAP, Fairfax Media