Man arrested, Melbourne drug syndicate disrupted | WPN World People News

A man is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court regarding the importation of almost six kilograms of methamphetamine, identity crime offences and money laundering.

In December 2013, the AFP commenced an investigation into the activities of the 26-year-old Burnside man, who police will allege is the head of a criminal syndicate operating within the Congolese community in Melbourne.

It will be alleged in court that the man imported approximately 5.9 kilograms of drugs on a number of occasions, and produced and used false documents for money laundering activities.

On 25 April 2014, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers identified three consignments addressed to one of the false identities linked to the alleged offender. Despite being concealed within the lining of a suitcase, another within a tea set and a third within a box of USB drives, initial ACBPS examination of the consignments indicated the presence of methamphetamine. The consignments, with a combined weight of 1.9 kilograms, were passed to the AFP for further examination.

Another package linked to the alleged offender seized on 30 April 2014 was found to contain 248 grams of methamphetamine.

On 2 May 2014, AFP officers executed search warrants at the home address of the alleged offender during which 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, two false South African passport and $96,500 in cash was seized.

AFP Manager Crime Operations Jennifer Hurst said the community will benefit from the disruption of this syndicate.

"This operation has removed a criminal syndicate that was actively importing drugs and taking steps to conceal the profits it made,” said Commander Hurst.

ACBPS Regional Commander Victoria, Graham Krisohos, said the detection of serious narcotics at the border is integral to disrupting organized crime.

“This detection has disrupted the flow of illegal narcotics into Melbourne, and potentially across Australia,” Mr Krisohos said.

The alleged offender was charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 and knowingly producing false documents contrary to subsection 137(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Source: Australian Federal Police