A 30-year-old Greek national was apprehended in the waters of Birubi Beach, Anna Bay, for his alleged involvement in importing $34 million worth of methamphetamine to Sydney.
In June 2024, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched an investigation targeting a crime syndicate suspected of drug imports from the UK. The Greek man is believed to have stored a vehicle containing 37kg of methamphetamine, intending to pass it on to an unidentified individual. The drugs were valued at approximately $34 million on the street.
An arrest warrant was issued on November 25, 2024. On December 20, AFP officers tracked the suspect to Birubi Beach, Anna Bay, about an hour north of Newcastle. Upon approach, the suspect allegedly tried to flee by running into the ocean but was arrested after treading water for a short time and returning to shallow water.
He faces charges under section 307.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth) for possessing a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported drugs, and a breach of bail condition in accordance with section 77(1)(e) of the Bail Act 2013 (NSW). The drug charge carries a potential life sentence. He appeared in Parramatta Local Court on December 21, 2024, where bail was denied, and is due back in court on February 20, 2025.
This arrest marks the fourth related to this methamphetamine bust. Two other Greek nationals, aged 43 and 41, were arrested earlier for allegedly removing the drugs from air cargo in Earlwood and concealing them in a vehicle. They too face charges for possessing a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported drugs and are scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on February 19, 2025.
Another suspect, a 45-year-old Greek national, was arrested on November 20, 2024. He allegedly assisted in storing the vehicle with the meth, facing similar charges and due in court on January 15, 2025.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy emphasized the agency's dedication to fighting drug trafficking. "These arrests serve as a warning to criminal syndicates aiming to smuggle drugs into our nation. We are prepared, alongside our law enforcement partners, to disrupt and dismantle your operations," she stated. "The AFP remains steadfast in its mission to intercept harmful substances at our borders and bring those accountable to justice."