Strike force detectives have seized a massive haul of cocaine allegedly smuggled in from Greece hidden inside Capri wafer packets.
The air cargo consignment which landed in Sydney was first inspected by Australian Border Force agents and contained 13kg of the dangerous drug which investigators say is worth about $5.8million in street value and originated from Greece.
The boxes of cocaine packed Capri wafer cones which originated from Greece were tucked away within a steering console of a boat tender.
Earlier this month, Australian Border Force officers grew suspicious of the cargo after identifying inconsistencies in a package.
In the package they found a 'white substance' with an elaborate concealment.
Tt was sent to the lab for testing.
After the results came back positive for cocaine, a major joint operation called Strike Force Mactier was launched involving the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad, the Australian Federal Police and NSW Crime Commission.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 34-year-old man during a vehicle stop at Bay Road, Waverton at about 1pm yesterday (Tuesday 16 February 2021).
The vehicle was searched, and detectives seized $7690 cash, mobile phones and sim cards.
Later that day, a search warrant was executed at a home on Cromer Street, Cromer, where investigators seized a mobile phone, sim card, steroid tablets and documentation.
All items seized will be subject to further examination.
He was taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with possess commercial quantity suspect illegal import border-controlled drug, deal with property proceeds of crime and possess anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent.
The man was refused bail to appear before Manly Local Court today (Wednesday 17 February 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Mactier are ongoing.
READ MORE: Police seize over 300kg of cocaine in Thessaloniki.
