Five men have been arrested after police seized more than $80 million of methylamphetamine (ice), firearms and $1.7 million cash, during a multi-agency police operation spanning three states.
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The criminal syndicate is alleged to have been involved in the importation, storage and supply of illicit drugs.
The arrests come after raids of multiple properties in NSW, Western Australia and Queensland.
Two men - aged 41 and 36 - were arrested in Petersham, Sydney on September 21, when police found more than 16 kilograms of methylamphetamine and other relevant items in subsequent searches of the men and a suitcase.
Police then searched eight properties across Sydney from midnight on Thursday, September 22.
During the searches, a clandestine laboratory, $1.5 million cash, methylamphetamine, firearms, and equipment consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs, were found at a property in Tempe.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at the location.
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Police seized nine pallets of industrial plastic rolls, which were concealing more than 50kg of methylamphetamine at a property in Petersham.
More than 100 litres of GBL, dedicated encrypted communication devices, further amounts of methylamphetamine, documentation and other items were also seized.
A 36-year-old man was charged with import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug and supply prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity.
A 41-year-old man was charged with import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug and supply prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity, two counts use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention and assault police officer in execution of duty.
Both men were refused bail at Parramatta Bail Court on Thursday and will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on November 15.
A 37-year-old man was charged with owner or occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises, and two counts of supply prohibited drug more than indictable amount.
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He was refused bail at Parramatta Bail Court on Thursday and will appear at Newtown Local Court on September 29.
Additional search warrants were executed in Perth's northern suburbs and in Brisbane on Wednesday and Thursday.
A further 7kg of methamphetamine, more than $250,000 in cash, watches and jewellery valued at about $150,000 and a small amount of cocaine, was found during searches of an industrial unit and two serviced apartments in the Perth suburbs of Malaga and Innaloo.
Two men - aged 32 and 34 - were arrested at the Malaga address and have since been charged with one count each of trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamine and dealing in the proceeds of crime.
They were refused bail to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Friday.
The multi-agency Operation Phobetor will continue its investigation, with officers from NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission involved.
