Photograph: Mario Guzmán/EPA

The man from Sydney is the second person charged in relation to allegations he and another man conspired to import precursors with the intent of manufacturing methamphetamines.

Following his extradition from the UK today, the man was charged with conspiring to pre-traffic a commercial quantity of a controlled precursor, contrary to s306.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), by virtue of s11.5(1). The maximum penalty for this offence is 26 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $900,000.

His alleged co-conspirator, a 60-year-old Port Douglas man, faced Cairns Magistrates Court on 4 April 2016 charged with conspiring to pre-traffic a commercial quantity of a controlled precursor, contrary to s306.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), by virtue of s11.5(1).

The AFP-led multi-agency investigation, which involved the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the Australian Border Force (ABF) and included the assistance of UK authorities, has resulted in the seizure of approximately 18 kilograms of pseudoephedrine pills.

Police will allege between August 2014 and April 2015, the men allegedly arranged for six consignments of the pseudoephedrine pills to be imported into Australia from Kenya through the postal system. It will be alleged the accused men were intending to sell the pills to drug manufacturers in Cairns and Sydney.

This amount of pseudoephedrine has the potential to manufacture approximately three kilograms of methylamphetamine, which has a wholesale value of between $500,000 and $840,000,  and an estimated street value in excess of $1,500,000.*

AFP Commander Chris McDevitt, Manager Crime Operations, said this investigation acts as a warning about the lengths law enforcement agencies will go to bring those involved in the illicit drug trade to justice.

“This once again clearly demonstrates that the combined efforts of Australian and international law enforcement agencies working collaboratively are not only formidable, but also relentless, in our efforts to combat the scourge of illicit drugs impacting upon Australia,” Commander McDevitt said.

QPS Detective Superintendent Jon Wacker of the Drug and Serious Crime Group said the success of the operation was a testament to the collaboration between the agencies and the commitment to tackling dangerous drugs at every level.

“The threat posed by pre-cursor chemicals is significant. Because of the risk they present, it is important we work alongside our partner agencies and focus our efforts and resources at every level of the drug manufacturing process,” he said.

ABF Commander Mark Antill said detecting dangerous drugs and precursors at, and before the Australian border, is a priority for the ABF.

“The precursors could have harmed many people in our community,” Commander Antill said.