The suspected ringleader of a cocaine trafficking syndicate has been arrested in Melbourne with three alleged drug mules after smuggling illicit packages worth $10 million into Australia, police said.
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A 55-year-old United States national was accused of planning and supervising the importation of 30 kilograms of cocaine from Los Angeles to Melbourne in April.
To carry out his plan the man allegedly organised four US women, aged 22, 24, 35 and 41 years old, to hide 10 kilograms of cocaine each in their luggage.
The packages were allegedly concealed among clothes as the three younger women arrived to board the flight in Los Angeles on April 12.
However US Customs officers had arrested the 41-year-old alleged courier as she attempted to board a flight to Melbourne a day earlier on April 11.
The three alleged drug mules boarded their flight but the US Homeland Security notified the Australia Border Force (ABF) and they were arrested after landing.
"ABF officers examined six suitcases and found a number of packages containing a white powder substance in each suitcase," police said.
"The substance was presumptively tested and indicated a positive result for cocaine."
Police said the alleged ringleader arrived in Melbourne on a separate flight on April 12.
Charges laid
He was arrested a week later at Melbourne Airport on April 20 and charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug and one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of cocaine.
The three women arrested in Melbourne were charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug and one count of possessing a commercial quantity of cocaine.
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
They are all scheduled to appear in court on August 5, 2024.
Help is available:
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.
Anna Houlahan
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
