Police Bust Sydney Drug Ring, ‘Trusted Insider’ Gurvinder Singh Arrested

Seven men, including “trusted insider” Gurvinder Singh and two Canadian nationals, have been charged following a sweeping investigation by a multi-agency Australian strike team into a sophisticated drug and illicit tobacco importation syndicate allegedly operating through Sydney’s freight networks.

The operation, led by the Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST)—which draws on the expertise of NSW Police, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, and several other agencies—targeted so-called “trusted insiders” accused of helping organised crime groups circumvent border controls.

The investigation began in September 2023 with the formation of Strike Force Aulic, focusing on a 42-year-old Sydney man, Gurvinder Singh and his associates. Police allege the man used a Punchbowl-based freight forwarding company to import large quantities of methamphetamine and illicit tobacco.

In July 2024, authorities intercepted an industrial cooler shipped from Vancouver containing more than 280 kg of liquid methamphetamine, allegedly arranged by the syndicate. On  August 5, two men were observed accessing the cooler in Riverstone, with one, aged 43, arrested later that evening at a Londonderry fast-food restaurant. 

A search of his premises uncovered gel blasters, a “meth cookbook,” and other drug-related items. He now faces 17 charges, including attempted possession of a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs and firearms offences.

A second man, 31, was arrested in Box Hill and charged with participating in a criminal group.

The syndicate’s reach extended beyond drugs. Police allege the 42-year-old mastermind continued to import illicit tobacco, including three consignments totalling over 20 million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates. 

In May 2025, investigators uncovered a plot to import 50 kg of cocaine from Panama, concealed in cement bags. Two Canadian nationals were allegedly flown in to assist with the operation. Police allege Singh used Canadian nationals, 24-year-old Aman Kang and 31-year-old Mani Singh Dhaliwal, to retrieve the cocaine from the cement bags and distribute it to organised crime syndicates in Sydney.

On 30 May, four men were arrested in Wetherill Park, with further raids uncovering 243 boxes of tobacco at Moorebank storage facilities. Another man was arrested at Sydney Airport as he allegedly attempted to flee. 

Singh and his associates face serious charges relating to drug and tobacco importation, firearms, and participation in a criminal group. If convicted, Singh faces life imprisonment. Singh's lawyer had urged for bail, citing health issues. The magistrate denied Singh and others bail.