Share and Follow
Authorities have identified two individuals with clearance to access restricted zones within Sydney Airport, suspecting them of exploiting their positions to retrieve items from aircraft cargo, effectively circumventing standard security protocols.
The duo was connected to a 44-year-old resident of Padstow, NSW, who is accused of orchestrating a drug import operation.
Federal police assert that this individual is affiliated with an organized crime syndicate.
The investigation honed in on this network as they were in the process of unloading approximately $40 million worth of cocaine from an aircraft, leading to the arrest of the 44-year-old man at Rushcutters Bay.
In October 2024, he admitted to conspiring to import a large quantity of cocaine and was subsequently sentenced to a decade in prison, with a non-parole period set at five years.
Three other men, including the two airport insiders, have also been sentenced to a combined maximum of 15 years and nine months imprisonment for their role.
Australian Federal Police detective acting inspector Paul Watt warned others working at airports from becoming involved in crime.
“To anyone who works in an airport environment and may be lured in by the false promise a life of crime may offer, let me be very clear – these offences carry the potential of life in jail and Operation Lucian is a testament to that,” he said.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.