Customs officer Paul John Katralis is facing charges of drug trafficking and receiving bribes after federal police agents arrested him and two drug couriers late last month.
The 25-year-old Greek Australian, who worked at Sydney airport, is accused of conspiracy to import 14 kilograms of pseudoephedrine through the airport. It is alleged that Katralis conspired to help two drug couriers smuggle pseudoephedrine past customs controls.
Sources at Sydney Airport told The Age that Katralis’ colleagues were shocked by his arrest. His arrest is said to be linked to the resignation of customs chief Michael Carmody who announced his resignation three days before Katralis appeared in court.
Katralis is facing charges of importing a commercial quantity of border-controlled precursor, receiving a bribe as a Commonwealth public official and abuse in public office to gain an advantage.