Euro drug ring smashed as police intercept drugs in postal disguise
They looked like care packages sent from abroad: a 2015 French Merlot, chocolate covered biscuits and packets of chips.
In reality they were a decoy used to import $3.3 million worth of MDMA and cocaine from France to Australia.
The drugs, concealed in 40 packages amongst the supermarket goods, were intercepted by a joint Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force operation over a six-month period.
Their seizure and the arrest of four foreign nationals has been credited for dismantling a European drug syndicate suspected of using tourists, students and backpackers to distribute drugs imported from France.
On Wednesday a 26-year-old French national was arrested and charged in Bondi for his alleged role in the operation, which is believed to have imported the drugs in packed luggage or via the post.
He was due to face Central Local Court on Wednesday afternoon, charged with aiding and abetting, counselling or procuring the importation of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
It follows the arrest in March of two other French nationals - a man and a woman - and a Belgian man in Melbourne, over the importation of 750 grams of MDMA concealed in wine bottles.
All three remain in custody, charged with importing a commercial quantity of drugs, aid, abetting, concealing or procuring the importation of drugs and dealing with money or other property suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
They are due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday July 16.
“With about 40 packages of MDMA and cocaine seized, each ranging from 100gms to more than 200gms, this has been a complex and unique investigation,” said AFP Detective Superintendent Paul Hopkins.
ABF Commander of Investigations Graeme Grosse said the operation highlighted the "creative and ever-changing methods used by criminals to import drugs."
“We hope this operation sends a message, if you’re thinking of buying, selling or transporting illicit drugs, the penalties are severe and it’s simply not worth the risk, we will catch you,” he said.
In April NSW Police arrested and charged eight people, including students and backpackers, over their alleged role in trafficking the drugs.
Seven French nationals and one Thai woman were arrested at properties in Darlinghurst, Haymarket and Tamarama following the NSW Police investigation into the supply of MDMA, cocaine, LSD, ketamine and cannabis.