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Polish pair behind bars over MDMA haul

Two Polish nationals have faced a Sydney court charged with importing 1.2 tonnes of MDMA into the country.

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Source: AAP


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Two Polish men are behind bars in Sydney after facing court over allegations they imported more than a tonne of crystallised ecstasy into Australia.

Darius Zbroszczyk and Piotr Latusek did not apply for bail and it was formally refused when their cases were heard separately at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday.

The men, aged 28 and 29, will remain in custody until fronting court again next week charged with importing what police describe as the country's biggest drug haul this year.

The court heard Zbroszczyk may apply for release during his next appearance at Sydney's Central Local Court on October 20.

He said nothing but to request a Polish interpreter when he appeared via audio-visual link on Saturday.

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Latusek chose not to appear and will front court again on October 19.

It will be alleged the pair imported the MDMA into the country concealed within a cargo of aluminium sheets flown in from Europe, AFP Deputy Commissioner Justine Saunders told reporters on Saturday.

The MDMA crystals were seized at a storage facility in Hornsby during a joint AFP and Australian Border Force operation and equate to more than 4.1 million ecstasy tablets, she said.

Police estimate the drugs could be worth $145 million.

"This is the fourth largest seizure of MDMA in Australian history and an important outcome for our community," Deputy Commissioner Saunders said.

"The size of this seizure and the amount of potential harm cannot be understated."

The two Polish nationals face life behind bars over serious drug importation offences if the charges against them are proven.

Police say they expect to make further arrests over the mammoth drug haul.


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