Three men with alleged links to the harness racing industry have been extradited from Tasmania to face charges over what police say was a sophisticated drug-trafficking operation spanning two states.
The men, aged 38, 22 and 29, were arrested in Hobart on Tuesday morning on outstanding NSW warrants.
They appeared at Sydney’s Central Local Court on Friday after being refused bail.
NSW Police allege the trio transported methylamphetamine and cocaine from NSW to Tasmania using domestic flights and postal services in exchange for cash.
The operation is believed to have ties to the harness racing industry, police said.
The arrests were made under Strike Force Chiel, a joint investigation between the NSW Organised Crime Squad and Tasmania Police.
Five other alleged syndicate members have already been charged and remain before the courts.
After a Hobart court approved their extradition on Wednesday, the three men were flown to Sydney on Thursday and taken to Mascot Police Station.
The 38-year-old faces charges including knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group, supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
His two younger co-accused have each been charged with supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity, knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group.
Strike Force Chiel was established by NSW State Crime Command’s Casino and Racing Unit specifically to investigate criminal activity within the racing industry.
It worked in conjunction with Tasmania Police’s Operation Avanti.
