Four Greeks were arrested by Australian police on charges related to drug trafficking. One of the suspects, a 30-year-old man was arrested in the surf at Birubi Beach, Anna Bay, north of the city of Newcastle in the state of New South Wales (NSW) linked to the alleged importation of 34kg of methamphetamine into Sydney.
Police say the man attempted to escape by running into the water. However, after treading water for a short time, he returned to shallow waters, where he was apprehended.
The four men are suspected as being involved in an international crime syndicate, importing narcotics from the United Kingdom (UK).
Australian law enforcement believes the man stored a car containing 37kg of methamphetamine, intending to deliver the vehicle and its illicit cargo – valued at an estimated $34 million – to an unidentified recipient.
The suspect appeared in a local on 21 December 2024, where he was refused bail. The case will return to court at the end of February 2025.
The man is the fourth person arrested in connection with the methamphetamine operation.
Two other Greek nationals, aged 43 and 41, were arrested earlier in the investigation which started in June 2024. They are accused of retrieving the drugs from an air cargo consignment in Earlwood and concealing them in a vehicle. Both were charged and remain in custody, with their cases scheduled for Downing Centre Local Court on 19 February 2025.
A fourth suspect, a 45-year-old Greek national, was arrested on 20 November 2024 and faces similar charges for allegedly helping store and prepare the vehicle for delivery. He is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 15 January 2025.
@newcastleherald A 30-year-old man was arrested at Birubi Beach in Port Stephens earlier in December amid an ongoing investigation into a massive methamphetamine import. 🔗: Read the full report on the Newcastle Herald website #newcastlenews ♬ original sound – Newcastle Herald
with information from theaustraliatoday.com.au
