The 27-year-old was allegedly a key link in an international organised crime network, coordinating the distribution of illicit drugs and cash into WA.
Heavily armed police swooped on the alleged “Mr Big” of the state’s drug scene, pouncing in North Macedonia and arresting Ilija Raftoski.
The former Perth security guard is now behind bars abroad thanks to WA detectives who travelled overseas.
“It’s alleged this 27-year-old male led a coordinated and sophisticated drug syndicate who were involved in importing large quantities of drugs into Australia,” Detective Superintendent John Hutchinson from WA’s Serious and Organised Crime Division said
“We believe it was more effective for him to be apprehended and charged there, the extradition process takes a lot of effort and a lot of time.
“Some of these countries that we are dealing with, the prisons are harsh environments so I hope that would be a huge deterrent.”
He came onto the police radar during last year’s Operation Comstock, during which police allegedly seized almost $7 million dollars in cash and almost four kilograms of meth and heroin.
Thirteen Western Australians were charged.
Police said Raftoski never set foot in WA during the operation, allegedly committing the crimes from North Macedonia and other parts of Europe, reinforcing a strong message from authorities.
“No matter where you are in the world, WA police will hunt you down and will prosecute you where we are able,” Hutchinson said.
