Since April, a multi-agency task force led by the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police has been probing a criminal syndicate believed to have operatives within Sydney ports to facilitate drug smuggling into the nation.

The task force gathered intelligence indicating that a group was allegedly planning to extract a drug stash from an incoming shipping container at a sea freight facility in Sydney.

Both men were charged with multiple serious drug offences that could result in a life sentence if they are convicted.

Shortly afterward, police executed a search warrant at a man’s residence in Hillsdale and apprehended a 42-year-old Caringbah man who was departing the premises.

Police allege the man was carrying $200,000 in cash that was suspected as being illicitly gained.

The man also worked as a forklift driver for a logistics company.

He was charged with dealing with the suspected proceeds of crime.

Police also searched the Oyster Bay man’s house, where they allegedly seized a further $130,000 in cash.

In court yesterday, the Hillsdale and Oyster Bay men were refused bail and will return to court on October 29.

The Caringbah man was granted bail and will also return to court on October 29.