Authorities in New South Wales and Western Australia have successfully intercepted nearly 268 kg of illicit drugs and seized millions in cash, resulting in charges against 18 individuals.

The collaborative effort, known as Strike Force Bloomfield, was established to dismantle a drug syndicate allegedly importing narcotics by sea, cleverly concealed within shipments of shoes and plastics.

These drugs and the associated funds were transported across state lines through postal services and smuggled by couriers on flights.

Over the course of five months, from May to October, law enforcement executed 30 search warrants across both states.

The operation led to the confiscation of 150 kg of pseudoephedrine, 95 kg of methylamphetamine, 21 kg of ketamine, 2 kg of cocaine, 14 firearms, almost $2.4 million in cash, and equipment for chemical laboratories.

The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be around $60 million.

NSW Police made arrests all over Sydney, including in the Eastern Suburbs in Randwick, in Blacktown in Western Sydney, and Liverpool in Sydney’s south-west.

The 18 people have been charged with a range of offences and those charged in New South Wales appeared in various courts across Sydney in October. 

They were all refused bail.

Seven men were arrested and charged in Western Australia, have all been remanded in custody, and will face court within the next month.