Police seize 645kg of MDMA from Cyprus in Sydney

·

More than half a tonne of the drug ecstasy has been seized in Sydney by police after a six-month operation spanning three countries.

The 645-kilogram cache of MDMA is alleged to have been sent to Australia from Cyprus and hidden inside 200 barbecues.

Two people in Sydney and Brisbane were arrested after multiple search warrants were executed yesterday in relation to the operation, AFP’s Commander of Organised Crime, Kirsty Schofield, told reporters.

The operation involved Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, the Cyprus Drug Law Enforcement Unit and the United Kingdom National Crime Authority.

The AFP was alerted to the potential large scale importation of the drug by authorities in Cyprus and the cargo was intercepted by the Australian Border Force.

The MDMA found inside the barbecues was replaced with an “inert” substance as police investigated the alleged drug syndicate, the AFP said.A 30-year-old man from Coomera in Queensland was arrested at a Bondi Junction apartment in Sydney, and $100,000 in cash found inside the premises seized.

The APF will allege in court today that the man travelled to Sydney to remove the MDMA from inside in the barbecues and prepare it for further distribution.

The AFP also arrested a 33-year-old Canadian man in Brisbane last night.The man arrived in Australia last Tuesday and allegedly travelled to a Sydney warehouse to inspect the barbeques, the AFP said.

“We will allege in court that he was sent by the syndicate responsible for the MDMA to check on aspects of the importation,” Commander Schofield said.

The Canadian man will face court today with a view to extradite him to NSW to face charges.Commander Schofield said the seizure was a significant result for public safety.”

The size of this seizure and the amount of harm it could potentially have caused cannot be understated, and the Australian community is safer for it not being on our streets,” she said.

Sourced via 9 News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Australian reception marks Cyprus’ journey of independence and EU integration

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, hosted an official reception on Thursday, October 31.

Hellenic Australian Lawyers celebrate justice and Hellenic ideals at annual Oration

The annual John Perry AO QC Oration, hosted by the South Australian Chapter of HAL honoured the legacy of Justice John William Perry.

Melbourne launch of Dean Kalimniou’s ‘Eikonoklasmata’ a great success

Melbourne author and lawyer Dean Kalimniou’s (Konstantinos Kalymnios) latest book «Εικονοκλάσματα» (Eikonoklasmata), launched on Sunday.

Greek Australians named in Pararoos squad for IFCPF World Cup 2024

CommBank Pararoos’ Head Coach Kai Lammert and CommBank ParaMatildas' Head Coach Kelly Stirton have confirmed their squads.

Odyssey Festival brings magic of a Greek paniyiri into the Adelaide CBD

On Saturday, GOCSA Dance Academy, in collaboration with Neolea, hosted the inaugural Grattan Street Paniyiri.

You May Also Like

Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou sends additional support to Berala’s multicultural communities

"If you know someone who needs help, maybe they are a friend or relative, please help them understand the importance of getting tested," Steve Christou said.

Greek Community of Melbourne aim to strengthen educational relations with Cyprus University

"We had the pleasure of meeting with Professor Charalambous to discuss how we can develop closer ties between the Universities of Melbourne and Cyprus," Papastergiadis said, speaking at the meeting.

Ozempic: Taking a look at the viral weight loss trend

Ever since Ancient Greece, slim and athletic has been glorified. Fast forward to the current day and weight loss is big business.