Two Fijian men have been arrested and charged following a significant drug seizure at Sydney Airport, where authorities confiscated 128 kilograms of cocaine valued at around FJ$93 million. The arrests stem from a coordinated operation conducted by officers from the NSW State Crime Command and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which successfully intercepted the substantial consignment over the weekend.
The suspects, aged 24 and 26, are alleged to have attempted to access the cocaine shipment shortly after its arrival at the airport. Their activities came to light when police observed them trying to retrieve the shipment at a freight forwarding company in Alexandria, leading to their arrest on Monday in Sydney’s Condell Park.
In subsequent search operations conducted at Kingswood and Lalor Park, investigators discovered additional narcotics, including 4 kilograms of cocaine, 110 grams of methamphetamine, and an unidentified 4 kilograms of crystal substance, alongside A$18,000 (approximately FJ$26,000) in cash.
The younger suspect faces charges for attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and for involvement in a criminal group, while the older man is charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and dealing with proceeds of crime. Both individuals were refused bail and are slated to appear in court at Bankstown.
The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation under Strike Force Keysbrook, initiated earlier this year following a shooting incident in Concord on July 3. This probe has allegedly unveiled connections between the suspects and organized drug importation networks, echoing a pattern observed in recent significant drug operations in Fiji. For instance, there have been numerous instances where collaboration between Fijian law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrest of individuals involved in drug trafficking, underscoring a robust approach to combat illicit drug trade.
Australian authorities continue to warn that such offenses can lead to lengthy prison sentences, and they remain committed to working with regional partners to dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks. The recent operations highlight the importance of vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies in curbing the drug epidemic, fostering hope for safer communities.
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