Adelaide man charged after alleged attempt to smuggle $20m of cocaine from Greece

·

A South Australian man could face a life sentence in jail after being charged over an alleged plot to smuggle 20kg of cocaine, with a street value of $20 million, into the state from Greece.

The man was arrested yesterday (8 September) after Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers executed search warrants at two inner-city Adelaide properties. Forensic tests by the AFP confirmed the 18 seized packages contained a total of approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine.

According to the AFP, this equates to about 20,000 ‘street level’ deals of cocaine, which police say can currently be sold for about $5 million wholesale, and which has an approximate ‘street value’ of $20 million.

The packages were wrapped in several layers. Photo: AFP

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Gavin Stone said COVID-19 border restrictions are not stopping crime syndicates from trying to flout the law and profit from smuggling illicit drugs into Australia.

“Operations like this send a strong message that no matter how sophisticated or opportunistic these criminal ventures are, or what methods they use, the AFP and our partners are one step ahead,” Detective Acting Superintendent Stone said.

ABF SA Chief Superintendent Brett Liebich said air cargo volumes increased during the pandemic but so to did the organisation’s capacity to screen inbound consignment.

“We have surged officers to the air and sea cargo streams to protect the border,” he said.

“And our officers are alert to the many creative ways criminals attempt to import their illicit cargoes.”

Investigations into who sent the drugs from Greece continue.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Katerina Chatzinikolau makes history at Athens State Orchestra

Katerina Chatzinikolau has made history by being appointed as the first woman Concertmaster of the Athens State Orchestra.

‘Girls in Crisis’: GCM’s bold new comedy explores womanhood

Following the success of the play Girls in the Shadow, the Creative Drama & Arts Centre of the GCM passionately returns.

Boxer George Kambosos Jr. secures legal claim to IBF over music video app Triller

George Kambosos Jr. has convinced the IBF to declare that Triller defaulted the terms of its bid to host his clash with Teófimó López.