Five people, including prominent Australian music promoter Andrew McManus, have been arrested in a joint operation between Australian police and the FBI targeting a drug smuggling network. The case involves an alleged A$55 million (£32 million) cocaine importation plot and money laundering through casinos, New South Wales (NSW) police said.
The investigation began in 2011 when A$702,000 (£320,000) in cash was discovered in a suitcase at a Sydney hotel. Police allege the money was linked to drug trafficking and would have been passed to a professional gambler. A subsequent legal bid to reclaim the funds, claiming they were legitimate concert tour payments, was dismissed by a court.
In late 2014, detectives raided properties in Sydney and Melbourne, seizing over A$68,000 in cash, drugs, steroids, and documents. The operation uncovered information about the attempted importation of 300kg of cocaine from Mexico to Australia via the US, though police said the drugs never reached Australia.
McManus, who has organised tours for international bands, was arrested in Melbourne on Thursday evening. He faces charges of perverting the course of justice, making a false statement, and participating in a criminal group. His lawyer stated he would "strenuously defend" the charges.
Three other men were arrested in Australia: a 32-year-old, a 55-year-old, and a 65-year-old solicitor from Sydney. In the US, FBI agents arrested American businessman Owen Hanson while he played golf in San Diego. Australian authorities are seeking his extradition on charges including money laundering and drug supply.
NSW Detective Superintendent Scott Cook alleged the criminal network laundered approximately A$5 million through the importation of cocaine. The five men face various charges including trafficking, money laundering, and participating in a criminal group.
