Strike Force Nandewar Media Release

NSW Police Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men as part of ongoing investigations into the importation of 400kg of methylamphetamine and heroin concealed in tea bags.

In June 2021 NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission established Strike Force Nandewar to investigate the activities of a criminal syndicate alleged to be involved in the importation of prohibited drugs.

Extensive inquiries uncovered the importation of 225kg of methamphetamine and 175kg of heroin in an airfreight consignment from Malaysia concealed within tea bags, estimated at $250 million in street value. It is alleged that the syndicate facilitated the import using ANOM encrypted devices.

On Thursday 10 March 2022, a man was arrested at Sydney International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Bangkok and another man was later arrested in Putney.

Strike Force investigators also executed two search warrants at homes at Putney and Hunters Hill where they seized cash, electronic devices, and other items relevant to investigations.

The first man has since been charged with six offences, including three counts of deal in indictable crime proceeds money and property more than $1 million, two counts of import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug and direct activities of criminal organisation.

The second man was charged with three offences, including two counts of import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug and direct activities of criminal organisation.