Sydney airport baggage handlers allegedly helped smuggle drugs for a cocaine importing racket uncovered by NSW and federal police.

Fifteen homes were raided across Sydney on Monday May 9 as part of Operation Mocha, a five-month operation investigating an alleged conspiracy to import up to $15 million worth of cocaine into Australia.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Manager of Border and International Operations, Mike Phelan, said officers were investigating alleged possible links between the drug importation syndicate and baggage handlers.

“The important thing to realize here is the allegations in relation to baggage handlers are very specific - they are alleged to be involved, they were all very willing participants and there are no unwitting innocent parties at this stage,” he told ABC radio.

The alleged plan was to import up to 30 kilograms of cocaine in suitcases carried by drug mules on flights from South America, he said.

“They had a very sophisticated distribution network here in Australia and also had their checkpoints overseas,” Mr. Phelan said.

“They would procure the drugs in South American and then make arrangements for it to come here through the airport via suitcases and ... and then the drugs would be distributed here.

“It’s a very sophisticated syndicate and it’s been operating for some time.”

Eleven men were arrested in the raids, including a former NSW police detective, and charged with a total of 46 offences.

Authorities were expected to make further arrests, Mr. Phelan said, most of which would take place around Sydney.

“We expect to make some more arrests over the coming days,” he said.

More than 160 NSW state officers and APF were involved in Operation Mocha, and Mr. Phelan congratulated the departments on their co-operation.

“It’s an extremely good example of co-operation between he AFP, the NSW police and the NSW crime commission,” he said.

“We’re extremely confident that we’ve closed down a syndicate that’s not only capable of bringing in 20 to 30 kilos in this particular run, but have also have been doing so for some period of time.

“(We believe) this particular syndicate of alleged criminal has been operating for a number of years at least.”

Operation Mocha would not continue to investigate alleged drug smuggling by airport baggage handlers as it was now a matter for the Commonwealth government, Mr. Phelan said.