High-flying horse owner Damion Flower in drug smuggling ring
Leading horse trainer Damion Flower has faced court on drug smuggling charges. Photo: ABC
High-profile race horse owner Damion Flower has been charged over his alleged role in smuggling cocaine on commercial flights from South Africa.
The 47-year-old was arrested outside his south-western Sydney home in Moorebank on Wednesday and was charged as part of a sting targeting an alleged ring operating out of Sydney Airport.
Police claim the cocaine was smuggled into the country on commercial flights from South Africa.
It was then allegedly allowed on to Australian soil by a baggage handler and was transported from the airport by another man who then gave it to Mr Flower.
Mr Flower looked calm in the dock when he briefly appeared in Liverpool Local Court on Thursday, as his lawyer Chris Watson indicated he would apply for bail next week.
Outside court Mr Watson said he was “sure” his client would plead not guilty.
In April, Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested a 42-year-old man near Sydney airport.
Police said they found 27 kilograms of vacuum-sealed packages, believed to be cocaine, in his car.
About $8 million in cash was seized at a Hoxton Park location.
On Wednesday baggage handler, To Oto O Junior Mafiti, 50, was arrested.
Police alleged the Sydney Airport employee was found with a bag with 28 kilograms of cocaine inside it.
He faced court today after being charged with importing a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.
He did not apply for bail.
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