Officers were tipped off over an alleged criminal syndicate after border force police in the US found 27kg of meth, with an estimated street value of $25 million, headed for Australia hidden in blankets.

Two raids conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) last year in Cabramatta in Sydney’s south-west and Canley Vale in the city’s west led police to a third address in Fairfield East, also in Sydney’s west.

“The people behind importations like this have no regard for the harm and damage that illicit drugs wreak on the Australian community every minute of every day,” Blunden said.

“I want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all the AFP members involved in these investigations, from investigators and intelligence members to all of our other support capabilities.

“I also wish to thank our counterparts at NSW Police, in particular the Drug & Firearms Squad Chemical Operations team for their specialist and expert assistance in this matter.”

National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline 1800 250 015