A man believed to be Maltese-Australian is at the heart of a police investigation in New South Wales, Australia, which has revealed a web of drug syndicates.

Australian media said the police have spent a year dismantling a network of drug traffickers and dealers, leading to the arrest of 18 men.

More than 100kg of drugs were seized along with 22 guns and 3,000 rounds and nearly A$1 million in cash.

Operation Apteria was launched with investigations into the activities of Port Botany stevedore Emanuel Cachia and his colleagues in May last year.

Investigators found a network of suppliers trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin. MDMA and cannabis.

Mr Cachia was charged in court with supplying cannabis, possessing steroids and dealing in the proceeds of crime.

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