Sickening twist in raid on father-son duo

Police were initially investigating the duo's alleged attempts to manufacture meth, but in a shocking twist, allegedly discovered child abuse material on the younger man’s laptop.
Police were initially investigating the duo's alleged attempts to manufacture meth, but in a shocking twist, allegedly discovered child abuse material on the younger man’s laptop.

Child abuse material was discovered while raiding the northwest Sydney homes of a father son duo accused of smuggling meth through the post, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has alleged.

Following the Australian Boarder Force’s (ABF) interception of a 4.5kg of a package of a methamphetamine precursor in August, the AFP executed two search warrants at properties in Kellyville and Castle Hill on November 11.

The AFP received a tip-off from the Australian Border Force after the ingredients for meth were discovered in a package from China.
The AFP received a tip-off from the Australian Border Force after the ingredients for meth were discovered in a package from China.

While searching the Kellyville unit of the 54-year-old father, investigators say they heard the man flushing a toilet. Officers then seized one mobile phone allegedly containing images of “white crystalline substances” and a second phone with instructions on how to manufacture illicit drugs.

At the second address belonging to the man’s 25-year-old son, officers allege they not only discovered large quantities of methamphetamine ingredients but also a laptop that contained child abuse material.

Both men appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on November 12, with the older man set to face court on Wednesday, November 27. The man’s son will face court again at a later date and face additional charges of possessing child abuse material.

AFP Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP worked closely with the ABF and other partners to disrupt the duo’s alleged attempt to produce harmful illicit substances.

Some of what police allegedly found in the raids. Picture: Supplied
Some of what police allegedly found in the raids. Picture: Supplied

“While most airmail or air cargo imports might seem like relatively small amounts of illicit substances – anywhere from five grams to several kilograms – combined, they equate to millions of individual street deals that cause significant harm to the community.” Mr Fogarty said.

ABF Acting Commander Asha Patwardhan added that those thinking of engaging in “illegal and abhorrent” activities should take note of the charges faced by the two men.

“Our officers are dedicated to preventing community harm, whether that be from illicit drugs or child abuse material,” Ms Patwardhan said.”

“We will continue working in lock-step with the AFP and other partners to detect and disrupt these activities and ensure that those engaging in them face the full legal consequences.”