Moment cops find stash of drugs, guns
A Sydney man has been charged for his alleged role in a US-based drug trafficking plot that imported about 50kg of cocaine and meth.
In a pair of searches at homes in the Sydney suburbs of Condell Park and Padstow, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) say officers found more than $120,000 in cash, five balaclavas, 1kg of cocaine, and four pistols with ammunition.
Video from the search of the Padstow home appears to show the supplies concealed in the ceiling of a child's bedroom, the wall adorned with colourful decals.
The man is expected to face court on Thursday after police arrested him on the Gold Coast before extraditing him to NSW and charging him with offences including aiding and abetting the importation of a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs. Five balaclavas were among the items found by police. AFP Credit: Supplied
The man was arrested as part of an extended operation that intercepted 24 separate shipments from the US allegedly containing illicit drugs.
The shipments allegedly contained about 18kg of methamphetamine and 30kg of cocaine.
The AFP has alleged that the man kept track of the packages while they were transited and attempted to collect them upon arrival in the country.
He is also alleged to have laundered $125,000 for two other people.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the man's alleged role in a drug trafficking plot damaged Australia's economy and healthcare system.
'The AFP and its law-enforcement partners share a common goal to protect our community by ensuring harmful drugs do not infiltrate our streets,' he said.
'This arrest should send a strong warning to criminals that if you participate in illegal activities, the AFP will apprehend and prosecute you.' A huge stash was found in the roof of a Padstow home. AFP Credit: Supplied
The 24 attempted shipments were intercepted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers over a three-month period.
ABF Superintendent Asha Patwardhan said criminals tried to 'exploit any vulnerability' to import drugs into the country.
'ABF will continue to work closely with our border protection and law-enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle their deceitful business models,' Supt Patwardhan said.
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