A 30-year-old Dee Why man has been refused bail after being arrested and charged over his alleged involvement in a transnational drug syndicate that imported 30 kilograms of ketamine into Australia.
The man was arrested about 7.50am yesterday (Tuesday 18 March 2026) and taken to Manly Police Station, where he was charged with supply prohibited drug of a large commercial quantity and participating in criminal group activity. He appeared in Manly Local Court yesterday and was formally refused bail, with his matter adjourned to Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
His arrest was one of four made yesterday by Strike Force Lupin detectives, a joint investigation between State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad and the NSW Crime Commission into transnational Organised Crime Networks hailing from south-east Asia.
The charges against him relate to a consignment of ketamine allegedly imported by the syndicate. On Wednesday 18 February 2026, a shipment falsely declared as “car parts” arrived in Melbourne from England, allegedly carrying the 30 kilograms of ketamine.
Detectives allege a 54-year-old man travelled from England to receive the consignment, taking possession of it on Thursday 26 February 2026 before travelling to Canberra on Saturday 28 February, where he met with two other men who allegedly collected the drugs and took them to an address in Stanhope Gardens, NSW.
The 54-year-old was subsequently arrested at a Mentone address in Melbourne about 10.30am on Thursday 12 March 2026 with assistance from Victoria Police. He appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court that day, and following extradition proceedings was taken to Mascot Police Station upon arrival in Sydney, where he was charged with importing and trafficking a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug. He was refused bail and is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Yesterday’s operation also saw strike force detectives execute a search warrant at the Stanhope Gardens address about 7.50am, resulting in the arrest of a 30-year-old man who was charged with supply of a prohibited drug of a large commercial quantity and knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group. He was refused bail and is due to appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday 15 May 2026.
About 8.20am, a 29-year-old man was arrested in Blacktown and charged with participating in a criminal group. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Blacktown Local Court on Monday 13 April 2026.
About 9.40am, a 37-year-old Lidcombe man was arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station, where he was charged with supply of a prohibited drug of a large commercial quantity and participating in criminal group activity. He was refused bail and is due to appear in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday 13 May 2026.
Organised Crime Squad detectives have now charged five men in total as part of the investigation.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
