An investigation into a national drug syndicate has led to the seizure of 268 kilograms of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of $60 million. Police have charged 18 people following the multi-agency operation, which spanned New South Wales and Western Australia.
Detectives executed 30 search warrants between May and October as part of Strike Force Bloomfield. The drugs seized included 150 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, 95 kilograms of methylamphetamine, 21 kilograms of ketamine and two kilograms of cocaine. Police also recovered 14 firearms, nearly $2.4 million in cash and chemical lab equipment.
It is alleged the syndicate imported drugs by sea, hiding them in consignments of shoes, plastic products and wooden pallets. The drugs were then transported across state borders using domestic flights, drug mules and Australia Post.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said the operation had 'completely dismantled' the syndicate. 'We have seized their drugs, we've taken out their workforce, we have removed their communication devices, seized their cash,' he said.
WA Police Detective Acting Superintendent Anna Shaw said 11 men were charged in Western Australia alone. 'WA Police will continue to make Western Australia a hostile place for those who seek to conduct activities which bring harm to our community,' she said.
