ONE of two men accused of being part of an international people smuggling ring has been charged with importing $750,000 of the drug ice.
Federal police have charged two alleged key players of an international people smuggling syndicate.
A 36-year-old Thornbury man is charged with conspiring to bring in a family of five from Afghanistan and providing information to arrange people smuggling.
He is also charged with importing $750,000 worth of methamphetamine.
A 34-year-old Templestowe man was charged with one count of people smuggling.
The Australian Federal Police busted the two men after a 10-month investigation with the helpof Indonesian police.
Det-Superintendent Stephan Obers said it is alleged people were being brought in from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.
He said the pair were caught after undercover operatives struck a deal with the 36-year-old to bring over a family of five from Afghanistan.
It will be alleged the men charged between $4500 and $10,000 to smuggle people in.
Det-Supt Obers said it wiill be alleged the syndicate operated for a number of years with “dozens of people” shipped into Australia.
The pair will face the Melbourne magistrates’ court today.