Man linked to Operation Ironside extradited from Darwin to Melbourne
Editor’s Note: Vision of the extradition is available via Hightail.
AFP officers have escorted a man, 37, on a chartered flight from Darwin to Melbourne this morning (5 August, 2022) to face two charges for allegedly importing cocaine worth about $40 million.
The man’s extradition is linked to Operation Ironside South-Britannic, which resulted in five arrests in Australia in May, 2021.
He is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court today, where he will be charged with:
- One count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to sections 307.1(1) and 11.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Each offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Note to media:
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- 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.
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