Raymond Terrace Man Charged for alleged involvement in $91m methamphetamine importation attempt

29 March 2025

A 39-year-old man from Raymond Terrace has been charged for his alleged involvement in a $91 million methamphetamine importation attempt. Authorities say the drugs were hidden inside a shipment described as “universal transmission gears” that arrived from China.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) began investigating in October 2024 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected the consignment upon its arrival in Sydney and found 99 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in four boxes. Officers removed the illicit substances and allowed the consignment to continue to its intended destination, a self-storage facility in Girraween, Western Sydney while keeping it under surveillance.

On 3 January 2025, two men accessed the storage unit containing the modified shipment. According to the AFP, the 39-year-old was seen handling the boxes and packaging associated with the consignment. Weeks later, on 30 January, police executed a search warrant at the man’s home in Raymond Terrace, seizing a mobile phone, cash, a replica firearm, prohibited weapons, and suspected drugs.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a serious offence under Commonwealth law that carries a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The man appeared before Penrith Local Court on 28 March 2025. Bail was refused.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the drugs would have equated to nearly 990,000 individual street deals, worth an estimated $91 million. He said methamphetamine continues to cause widespread harm across Australian communities and that criminal syndicates care only about profits, not the devastation they leave behind.

Acting ABF Superintendent Michael Ferguson praised the vigilance of border officers and highlighted the sophisticated techniques used to detect hidden drugs. He said ABF officers are committed to stopping narcotics before they reach the streets.

The second man seen at the Girraween facility has not been charged. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to dismantle the wider criminal network behind the attempted importation.

Community members who need support are encouraged to contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. Free and confidential help is also available online at any time.