A group of Chinese nationals on student visas have been caught up in a massive drug sting after police uncovered almost 60 kilograms of a drug precursor.
Fifteen kilograms of pseudoephedrine was uncovered by police during a raid in Auburn on Tuesday.
This find came weeks after agencies, including Customs and Australian Federal and NSW Police, seized 42 kilograms of pseudoephedrine allegedly hidden in ceramics in sea freight from China.
Police believe the same drug syndicate is behind both drug finds.
Following Tuesday's raid, seven people were arrested in Auburn in Sydney's west, including Chinese nationals on student visas.
However at the time of their arrest, police allege the Chinese nationals were illegal citizens.
Three Chinese nationals, 24, 22 and 23, and a 23-year-old Australian citizen were charged with large commercial drug supply.
Another woman, who had also come to Australia on a student visa, was taken to Villawood detention centre and two men were released without charge.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said these people had "probably thrown their lives away".
Detective Superintendent Scott Cook said police had seen a pattern where people came to Australia on similar visa arrangements and got caught up in a gangster lifestyle.
"They are not necessarily students," the Organised Crime Squad commander told reporters.
"There is some indication that their activities here are about having a good time in Australia.
"A lot of them get caught up in criminality and a lot of them are used by established criminal networks to enter the gangster lifestyle and enjoy themselves.
"That may not be the case for these individuals but that is that pattern we have seen."
On top of the significant pseudoephedrine haul, two kilograms of ice, $870,000 worth of heroin and a SKS assault rifle were also seized.
Mr Scipione had a warning for members of other criminal networks.
"If you think it has been tough to do your business until now, you ain't seen nothing yet," he said.
Police allege the four charged were an integral part of the drug supply.
The quartet are due to appear before Burwood Local court on Thursday.
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