A Sydney man who allegedly masterminded one of the largest heroin importations in recent history is facing life behind bars, Australian Federal Police say.

Guy Habkouk, 35, was arrested by AFP officers at Sydney International Airport on Saturday morning, after being deported from Turkey.

Police say Habkouk, who has been living in various countries since March 2020, organised the importation of 347.9kg of heroin into Sydney in December, while he was based in Thailand.

“It will also be alleged this man has extensive links to transnational organised crime groups, which helped facilitate this importation,” the AFP said in a statement on Sunday.

Vision of Habkouk’s arrest shows him wearing a black T-shirt, a black hoodie and grey sweatpants, walking with AFP officers through Sydney International Airport in handcuffs with his head bowed.

AFP officers from Operation Gain notified Turkish authorities that Habkouk was suspected to be living in their jurisdiction, and he was later detained by local authorities in January.

Straight to court

He has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995, and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

He is due in Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.

Illegal drugs including heroin continued to pose major harm to the community, AFP Commander of Transnational Operations Richard Chin said.

“(Heroin is) an impost on our health system and negatively impact every aspect of society,” he said.

“This arrest is a testament to our close partnership with Turkish authorities who continue to demonstrate their strong commitment to creating a hostile environment for organised crime in Turkey, ensuring these groups cannot operate.”

Another Sydney man has been charged in connection with the December import. He remains before the courts.

-AAP