Man charged over the alleged importation of $675k of liquid MDMA hidden in wine bottles

A man has been charged after allegedly smuggling up to $675,000 worth of liquid MDMA hidden in wine bottles across the Australian border.

Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators examined a consignment which arrived in Sydney from the United Kingdom on Christmas Day.

The air cargo consignment – which was declared to contain wine bottles – was examined by ABF officers, who noted inconsistencies.

During a subsequent deconstruction, the consignment was found to contain 4.5kg of clear liquid within the items.

The liquid was tested and returned a presumptive positive result for MDMA, which has an estimated potential street value of $675,000.

Investigators seized the consignment and conducted a controlled delivery.

A 63-year-old man was arrested during a vehicle stop on Lang Road, Moore Park, just before 11.30am yesterday.

A short time later, officers executed two search warrants at a restaurant at Woollahra and home at Bankstown.

During the searches, investigators seized more than $25,800 cash and electronic devices, which will undergo further examination.

The Bankstown man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with possess commercial quantity of an unlawful import.

He was refused bail to appear before the courts today.

Anyone with information that may assist Redfern RES investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.