The head of a Melbourne-based organised crime syndicate allegedly ordered associates to import drugs while pretending to call his lawyer from prison.

The Australian Federal Police have charged George Marrogi, 33, with directing the activities of a criminal organisation while in prison.

He has also been charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, after AFP officials seized 56 kilograms of methamphetamine and 13 kilograms of heroin last month.

Marrogi is currently in Barwon Prison awaiting sentence for murder.

A 28-year-old Melbourne woman accused of carrying out Marrogi’s orders was also charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.

She faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday evening and was remanded in custody.

An additional charge of attempting to import 400 kilograms of methamphetamine was laid against her on Monday.

On August 31 last year, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized the methamphetamine at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The package was consigned to an address in Melbourne.

AFP investigators analysed evidence found during search warrants in Melbourne over the weekend, finding material that allegedly linked the woman to the shipment.

Marrogi and the 28-year-old woman are due to face court in August.

– AAP