This is a joint media release between the AFP and the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) continue to dismantle an organised crime syndicate allegedly importing narcotics through Sydney International Airport with an additional three arrests in Queensland and New South Wales yesterday as part of a major two year multi-agency investigation.
A 21-year-old Arundel man and two Surfers Paradise men aged 19 and 21 were arrested on 22 of April 2013. All men are expected to face court today.
Operation Marca is an ongoing joint investigation involving the AFP, ACLEI and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. The operation focuses on drug importations involving an organised crime syndicate and alleged corrupt commonwealth officials.
To date, Operation Marca has resulted in a total of 20 arrests including four Customs officers and one Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestries Biosecurity (formerly Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) officer.
It will be alleged in court that the three men conspired with corrupt Customs officers and baggage handlers to import a commercial quantity of pseudoephedrine from Vietnam in June 2012.
The men have all been charged with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of border controlled precursors, namely pseudoephedrine, contrary to subsection 307.11 by virtue of section 11.5 of the Criminal Code 1995.
