Trusted insiders allegedly used in foiled plot to smuggle 6kg of cocaine into Sydney on international commercial flights

A man allegedly caught collecting 6kg of cocaine from an international commercial flight in Sydney told police his suitcase was filled with plaster.

A foreign law enforcement agency tipped off police in January about trusted insiders being used by a drug trafficking syndicate to hide cocaine on international commercial flights destined for Australia.

Six kilograms of cocaine was allegedly found concealed in 1kg packages that had been wrapped in duct tape on a flight searched by Australian Border Force officers on March 17.

A Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST) allegedly saw a 23-year-old man from Narara collect the cocaine and travel to Gosford where he was stopped by police.

He allegedly told officers his suitcase contained plaster.

He was charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of cocaine and unlawfully import a border controlled drug.

Police allege another 34-year old man from Hardys Bay near Gosford was the mastermind behind the failed plot.

He was stopped by police near Kempsey on March 27 and charged with unlawfully importing cocaine which carries a penalty of life imprisonment.

Both men are in custody and are due to appear before the courts over the coming weeks.

The MAST is focused on targeting contractors, or public or private officials, who are on the payroll of organised crime.

Known as trusted insiders, these employees unlawfully access information such as security or operational details, or use subterfuge, to help organised crime.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto said the strike team was committed to identifying criminals who used trusted insiders to enable the flow of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, into Australia.

“Criminals are motivated by greed and will use any means to import harmful drugs into Australia to make a profit, at the expense of Australians and their health,” he said.

“Illicit drugs cause immense harm to users and their families and make our communities less safe.

“No matter how elaborate or creative the attempts are, the AFP and our partners are working tirelessly to prevent airports and aircraft being used by trusted insiders as part of the criminal supply chain.”

NSW Police State Crime Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein said trusted insiders played a pivotal role in the illicit drug supply chain.

“These individuals abuse their positions to facilitate criminal activity and targeting them through MAST is essential to protecting our communities from the scourge of drugs,” he said.