Sydney man allegedly caught trying to collect 60kg meth import from car park

A Sydney man who allegedly attempted to collect 60kg of methamphetamine - worth an estimated $55 million - from a public car park has been dramatically arrested by police.

The 36-year-old from Liverpool in the city's south-west was charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.

He is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today.

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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said United States authorities found 95kg of methamphetamine from a sea-cargo consignment in September destined to travel from Los Angeles to Sydney.

The illicit drugs were removed before the vessel travelled to Australia.

An AFP investigation identified that once the drugs arrived in Australia they were intended to be left inside a car in a public car park in Maroubra for collection.

The AFP left packages in a vehicle which contained a harmless substance weighing a total of 60kg yesterday.

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Officers allegedly observed the man inspecting the vehicle, retrieving a key from under the bumper, and getting inside and turning on the car.

The man was subsequently arrested by the AFP and charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

AFP detective superintendent Kristie Cressy said the 60kg of methamphetamine, over which the man was charged, would have equated to 600,000 street deals.

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