NSW: Ironside East-Galenus (case study)
Three men have been arrested following an AFP investigation into a syndicate importing border controlled drugs into Australia via the use of trusted insiders in a multinational delivery services company. The syndicate is also involved in the supply of encrypted communication devices on behalf of a high-ranking offshore Comancheros member.
Operation Ironside intelligence uncovered a network allegedly using the international air freight system to import border controlled drugs, with links to a Turkey-based Comancheros OMCG member.
Once in Australia, police allege a 37-year-old Carlton, NSW man, employed as a delivery driver for the delivery services company, collected the parcels and contacted the syndicate, to arrange a time and place where the border controlled drugs were exchanged. Operation Ironside intelligence revealed the group allegedly intended to import drugs on a weekly basis using this methodology.
In late May 2021, a consignment arrived into Sydney from America. The consignment was examined by Australian Border Force officers and found to contain a white powdery substance inside a protein powder tub. Presumptive testing indicated the presence of cocaine.
The consignment was seized by the AFP and further testing revealed the consignment contained 1kg of cocaine. This amount of cocaine has an estimated street value of approximately $250,000.
Operation Ironside intelligence identified the 37-year-old delivery driver and a 23-year-old Brighton Le Sands man allegedly attempting to coordinate the delivery of the packages in Sydney.
As a result of the investigation, police also identified a third associate, a 20-year-old Brighton Le Sands man. Police allege these men were involved in the drug supply trade in Sydney.
Throughout the course of the investigation, Operation GALNEUS further revealed an attempt by the 23-year-old Brighton Le Sands man to sell a substance purporting to be methamphetamine.
On 14 May 2021, police allege the Brighton Le Sands man sold a quantity of a substance purporting to be methamphetamine to a buyer for $75,000. Operation Ironside intelligence revealed the substance was in fact soda crystals. The Brighton Le Sands man then received orders from an associate with links to an Organised Motorcycle Gang to refund the money.
Police witnessed this transaction and retrieved the substituted package from a garbage bin in a Rockdale street.
On 7 June 2021, AFP officers executed multiple search warrants at premises in Carton and Brighton Le Sands, NSW, which resulted in the arrest of three men allegedly involved in the importation or supply of border controlled drugs.
Key statistics
- 3 arrests
- 3 search warrants executed
Seized items
- Personal use amounts of cannabis, steroids and cocaine
- One encrypted device
- 2 x cash counting machines
- 2 x gel blasters
- AUD20,000