An investigation involving Australian and US law enforcement has uncovered nearly 90 kilograms of meth hidden in mattresses bound for Sydney.

Three men have been arrested and charged, with Saleh Mama, 23, from Sydney’s Waterloo refused bail when he faced Downing Centre Local Court last Thursday.

An investigation was launched in March after Australian Border Force agents found 5.5 kilograms of the drug hidden in a shipment of futons.

Another shipment of futons that arrived two weeks later was found to contain 15 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Tipped off by Australian authorities, Homeland Security and US Customs agents uncovered and seized a further 68 kilograms of meth concealed in another three shipments of futons bound for various Sydney addresses – before they left the US.

Xiaohui He, 33, was arrested in the Sydney suburb of Burwood on May 2 and charged for his alleged role in facilitating the 15-kilogram consignment.

Hai Xu, 23, also from Burwood, was arrested on June 6 and charged over a separate 15-kilogram consignment seized in the US.

A search of Xu’s residence allegedly uncovered a fraudulent driver’s licence, 20-kilogram of pseudoephedrine, 100g of cocaine and an encrypted electronic device.

All three men were charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Acting ABF Superintendent Marc Rea said the investigation should serve as a warning that local authorities work with international partner agencies to target drug traffickers.

“These men won’t be sleeping softly tonight and, if proven guilty, will face the full consequences of their actions for attempting to import these dangerous substances into our community,” he said.

“This outcome is another great example of the successful partnership we share with domestic and international law enforcement.”

He, Xu and Mama appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on June 22, June 7 and last Thursday respectively and were all refused bail.

Mama is expected to appear before Sydney Supreme Court on October 19 while Xu is set to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on September 20.

-AAP