Australian authorities have arrested four men over their alleged involvement in a $9.5 million drug importation scheme that sought to smuggle 45 kilograms of ketamine into Sydney.
Shipment Intercepted
The investigation began on August 14, when Australian Border Force officers identified and intercepted a suspicious shipment arriving from Germany. The consignment contained 66 drive shafts, inside which officers discovered more than 45 kilograms of ketamine concealed. The drugs, destined for Sydney’s western suburbs, carried an estimated street value of $9.5 million.
Following the discovery, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers replaced the ketamine and carried out a controlled delivery of the car parts to an address in Merrylands. Shortly after, two men aged 45 and 27 were arrested.
Both were charged with one count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug and one count of attempting to possess the same. Each offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Police allege the pair worked together to collect the shipment and remove the drugs.
Further Arrests Made
This week, AFP detectives confirmed that two more men had been arrested in connection with the same plot. Both aged 25, the men were taken into custody following coordinated raids.
Police allege one of the men was responsible for contacting a logistics company to arrange the collection of the car parts, while taking steps to hide his identity. The second is accused of directing the destruction of a mobile phone linked to the operation.
Investigators later recovered the damaged phone in a nearby park after one of the arrests. The device is now undergoing forensic examination.
Police Statement
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the arrests highlighted the AFP’s determination to disrupt transnational organized crime groups attempting to exploit Australia’s borders.
“The people behind importations like this have no regard for the harm and damage that illicit drugs wreak on the Australian community,” he said. “Ketamine is commonly a horse tranquiliser, but when consumed by humans it can cause serious harm not only to the user, but also to their families and the wider community. This seizure represents more than one million potential street deals.”
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities believe the syndicate has links to organized criminal networks both in Australia and overseas. Investigators are continuing to examine financial records, encrypted communications, and international supply routes in an effort to track down further individuals involved.
Police have urged members of the public to report any information relating to drug trafficking, stressing that community intelligence plays a vital role in disrupting illegal activity.
Community Impact
Law enforcement officials say the seizure prevented a substantial quantity of dangerous substances from entering circulation. By intercepting the shipment and dismantling part of the syndicate, police believe they have prevented significant harm to communities across Sydney and beyond.
The four men remain in custody as investigations continue. More arrests have not been ruled out.
