Two Fijian men have been charged in connection with a major drug bust at Sydney Airport that led to the seizure of 128 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to be worth around FJ$93 million.
According to New South Wales Police, the consignment was intercepted by officers from the NSW State Crime Command and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over the weekend.
The pair, aged 24 and 26, allegedly tried to access the large shipment of cocaine after it arrived at the airport on Saturday.
Police said the two men were arrested on Monday in Sydney’s Condell Park after officers observed them attempting to retrieve the shipment at a freight forwarding company in Alexandria.
During follow-up search operations at Kingswood and Lalor Park, police reportedly discovered and seized 4 kilograms of cocaine, 110 grams of methamphetamine, 4 kilograms of an unidentified crystal substance, and A$18,000 (about FJ$26,000) in cash.
The younger suspect has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and participating in a criminal group. The older man faces additional charges of supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Both men were refused bail and are expected to appear in the Bankstown Local Court.
Police said the arrests followed ongoing investigations under Strike Force Keysbrook, which was launched earlier this year after a shooting incident in Concord on July 3. Evidence uncovered during that probe allegedly linked the group to large-scale drug importation operations.
Australian authorities continue to work with regional partners to combat transnational drug trafficking networks, warning that such offences carry lengthy prison sentences.
