Police say they have foiled an international criminal drug syndicate allegedly linked to homes and businesses in Western Sydney after combining with law enforcement agencies in seven countries, including the FBI.
Five men have been arrested after a seven-year long investigation into large-scale importation and sale of MDMA and ice in NSW worth more than $150 million.
It is alleged by police that the syndicate scored more than $54 million in proceeds from the drug importation.
During the course of the investigation, established as Strike Force Millstream in 2013, detectives say they uncovered an international drug and money laundering operation.
This morning, NSW Police and federal law enforcement agencies raided two businesses in Badgerys Creek and a home in Baulkham Hills.
A warrant was also executed at Jamisontown.
A 34-year-old man was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station, a 36-year-old Erina Heights man was arrested at Darling Harbour and a 57-year-old man was arrested at Baulkham Hills.
The three men have since been charged on Tuesday afternoon with a range of alleged offences including supplying prohibited drugs, dealing with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group.
Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said it was one of the state's longest-running drug importation investigations.
"Police will allege members of the syndicate dealt with proceeds of crime worth more than $54 million, allowing them to travel the world in luxury and live a life of opulence — while they knowingly preyed on the vulnerabilities of others," he said.
The raids are linked to the arrest of two men, aged 34 and 37, by police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Thursday after Interpol issued an Red Notice — used to alert authorities to international wanted persons.
NSW Police said its organised crime squad and its Commonwealth partner agencies were seeking their extradition to Australia.
As well Dubai police and Interpol, NSW Police said it received "significant assistance" from the Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, the Australian Federal Police and its liaison officers in the UAE and Britain.
It also received help from authorities in Germany, the Netherlands, Moldova, Spain as well as the US Drug Enforcement Agency and the FBI.
South Australia Police also assisted with the operation.
Strike Force Millstream had previously arrested 16 people in relation to illegal activities.
NSW Police said investigations were ongoing and more charges were expected to be laid.
Detective Superintendent Fileman said the men arrested in Western Sydney were probably "expecting a knock on the door".
"We will allege that this syndicated imported approximately 3 tonnes of illicit drugs into Australia, consisting of MDMA and methylamphetamine, with a street value of about $150 million.
"I'm almost certain that they would've known that the two were arrested in Dubai.
