KUALA LUMPUR: Australian police have arrested a Malaysian man over his role in the suspected attempt to smuggle heroin into the country, as well as drug possession.
The man, 28, was arrested after Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed a search warrant at his house in Doncaster East in Victoria yesterday.
Investigators found about 600 grams of methamphetamine and about 4kg of a Nitazene analogue.
AFP, in a statement, said it began an investigation in November last year after the Australian Border Force (ABF) officers had detected attempts to bring 12.3kg of heroin into Sydney from Thailand.
Further investigations identified the Malaysian citizen as being linked to the syndicate, and was allegedly involved in facilitating drug smuggling into Australia.
The man, said the police, had frequently travelled between Melbourne and Sydney.
The probe led to the search of his home.
"In addition to the drugs, AFP investigators seized numerous SIM cards and mobile phones suspected to be connected to alleged criminal activity," read the statement.
AFP Detective Inspector Aaron Burgess said the probe suggested a crime network with global links.
"We are getting a clearer picture of what we will allege the activities of an established organised crime network operating in Australia with significant international links," he was quoted as saying.
Police said the man is scheduled to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court today over attempts to smuggle drugs as well as possession of controlled drugs.
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.