600 kilos of cocaine hidden in ‘fruit kiosks’ discovered by police: report
Police have allegedly discovered 600kg of cocaine hidden inside an international delivery described as “fruit kiosks,” with two men now facing life imprisonment if convicted of serious drug offenses.
A joint investigation between the Australian Federal Police and Brazilian authorities began in November last year when Brazilian customs officers searched four consignments bound for Australia, and allegedly discovered cocaine concealed within the walls and floors of the units.
The drugs were removed before the delivery was made to Sydney via sea cargo on February 8.
The consignment was sent to an industrial storage warehouse in North Rocks on March 6.
AFP officers allegedly witnessed two men arrive at the warehouse and stay for “numerous hours” with the roller door closed.
They occasionally left to get tools and other items police suspect were used to open the consignment.
As the pair left the warehouse later in the afternoon, they were arrested and then charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.
A search warrant was executed at the warehouse and officers allegedly found four refrigerated fruit kiosks, including two that were partially unwrapped.
Police will allege the men used various tools to open parts of the kiosks, including sections where the cocaine had been removed by Brazilian authorities.
A search warrant executed on a vehicle also allegedly resulted in the seizure of 15 large sports-style duffel bags, two mobile phones, credit cards, receipts and power tools.
Dutch national Anthony Hoppner Suarez, 25, and Australian man Miguel Suarez, 49, appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.
They were refused bail and are scheduled to face Sydney Local Court on May 15.
AFP Commander Kate Ferry said criminal syndicates often went to great lengths to conceal and import drugs into Australia, but police were constantly working to remain one step ahead of them.
“An import of this size could have accounted for about three million individual street deals of cocaine, which can cause significant havoc and harm to the Australian community,” she said.
“Investigations into the origin of the drugs remain ongoing, and we will work with our international and domestic law enforcement partners to identify any other involved in facilitating this import and it’s intended onward distribution.
“The AFP will continue to make Australia a hostile environment for criminal syndicates attempting to smuggle and profit from harmful drugs, at the expense of the Australian people.”
Anyone with information about the shipment is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800-333-000.
