Drugs raids point to baggage handlers

SYDNEY - Airport baggage handlers may have been involved in a huge cocaine-smuggling racket, police said yesterday.

Officers have made a series of arrests after raiding 15 homes across Sydney as part of a five-month investigation into a conspiracy to import $A15 million ($16 million) of cocaine into Australia.

"The important thing to realise here is the allegations in relation to baggage handlers are very specific - they are alleged to be involved, they were all very willing participants and there are no unwitting innocent parties at this stage," Australian Federal Police national manager of border and international operations Mike Phelan told ABC radio.

The gang planned to import up to 30kg of cocaine in suitcases on flights from South America, he said.

"They had a very sophisticated distribution network here in Australia and also had their checkpoints overseas.

"They would procure the drugs in South America and then make arrangements for it to come here through the airport via suitcases and then the drugs would be distributed here.

"It's a very sophisticated syndicate and it's been operating for some time."

Eleven men were arrested in this week's raids - including a former New South Wales police detective - and charged with a total of 46 offences.

Police expect to make further arrests, most of which will take place around Sydney, Mr Phelan said.

"We expect to make some more arrests over the coming days.

"We're extremely confident that we've closed down a syndicate that's not only capable of bringing in 20 to 30 kilos in this particular run, but have also have been doing so for some period of time.

"[We believe] this particular syndicate of alleged criminals has been operating for a number of years at least."

The police operation involved 160 NSW state officers and the Australian Federal Police working in close cooperation.

- AAP