US man arrested over 250kg meth sting

An American man is facing a life sentence in Australia for attempting to possess 250kg of methamphetamine following a joint investigation between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and US Homeland Security.

Police alleged the 40-year-old agreed to purchase the meth for more than $7m from an American-based organisation.

AFP officers arrested the man at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday. after the man allegedly attempted to take possession of the drugs. Another search of a Silverwater address also uncovered “a number” of items which will be placed under further investigation.

The man is now facing one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Three other men initially suspected of collecting the drugs on the behalf of Australian-based buyers were also arrested at the same time, however they have been released without charge pending further inquiries.

Wednesday’s arrest is part of a larger investigation between the AFP and Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles into a US organised crime group who they allege are helping import border-controlled drugs into Sydney.

AFP acting Commander Investigations Eastern Command Peter Fogarty said methamphetamine was the second-most consumed illicit drug in Australia, and was responsible of an average of 27 daily hospitalisations throughout 2021-22.

“Drug syndicates inflict harm to every community they operate in, and this result is another example of the strong outcomes that can be achieved through joint international efforts,” he said.

“The AFP is unwavering in its protection of the way of life for all Australians. We are committed to targeting and combating serious organised crime groups that seek to profit from the harm they cause in our communities.”

HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang thanked Australian law enforcement for their co-operation.

“Los Angeles remains a central distribution hub for narcotics trafficking to Oceania. To be truly effective at disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organisations, it takes robust partnerships like the one that we have forged with the Australian Federal Police,” he said.