Massive Meth Haul Exposed in Sydney Drug Bust
Strike Force Chellington Cracks Huge Drug Import Ring
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad launched Strike Force Chellington last year to tackle illicit drug imports into NSW. Their investigation hit a jackpot when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers uncovered more than 2,000kg of methamphetamine hidden inside marble stones at Port Botany.
More Than $1 Billion Worth of ‘Ice’ Seized
- July shipments: 814kg of meth found inside marble stones
- August shipments: an additional 1060kg uncovered using the same sneaky method
The staggering haul has a potential street value topping $1 billion.
Raid and Arrests: Police Clamp Down on Crime Network
On 11 January 2023, Strike Force detectives, backed by elite units including the Raptor Squad and Public Order and Riot Squad, smashed four homes in Auburn, Lidcombe, and Berala.
They seized:
- 1.5kg of methamphetamine
- $100,000 cash
- 100kg of illegal tobacco
- Electronic devices and documents for forensic analysis
Seven Men Hit with Serious Charges
Seven men aged 21 to 34 have been charged, with court proceedings ongoing. From the recent raids, four men (aged 29, 35, 40, and 42) were detained. Key charges include:
- Attempting to possess commercial quantities of imported drugs
- Supplying large commercial quantities
- Participation in criminal groups
- Dealing with criminal proceeds
The 29, 40, and 42-year-olds were refused bail and appeared in Burwood Local Court. The 35-year-old man received conditional bail, due back in court on 12 January 2023.
This crackdown marks a major blow to NSW’s drug trafficking underworld – but police vow the fight is far from over.
