Canberra businessman Rohan Arnold has been sentenced to a maximum 27 years in prison over his role in attempting to import 1.28 tonnes of cocaine into Australia.
Arnold, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiring to import the drugs, which had a street value of more than $500 million.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) intercepted the cocaine in April 2017, which was hidden inside a shipping container carrying 2576 smaller pre-fabricated steel containers.
After the drugs were seized, Arnold and his two co-accused attempted to recover the shipment in Serbia.
However, he was arrested in January 2018 at a Belgrade Hotel after an undercover police operation.
The defence case brought by Stuart Littlemore QC argued that Arnold was a "consultant" to the syndicate — providing logistical support and helping in trying to recover the drugs.
However, the court found that Arnold occupied "a level in the hierarchy just below the level of the three principals".
The court heard Arnold was active on encrypted message groups and communicated directly with the undercover operative in arranging an exchange of the drugs for cash.
District Court Justice Jane Culver said that Arnold "was absolutely vital to the success of the enterprise" and that "the conspiracy could not achieve its intended purpose without the offender".
"Clearly this was a sophisticated operation involving an international syndicate," Justice Culver said.
"The offender was a trusted member of the group and played and important role in the conspiracy.
"That sheer scale together with the nature of the offence together with the acts of the offender and the essence of the agreement to import such a large quantity of cocaine to Australia ... is approaching the top end of seriousness."
The court heard that the well-known stockyard director and steel importer had shown remorse since his arrest, helping authorities as well as fellow inmates while in custody.
Upon hearing the sentence, Arnold's daughter burst into tears in the courtroom as Arnold turned to her and mouthed, "I love you".
Arnold has been given a non-parole period of 19 and a half years and will be eligible for release in 2037.
