The seizure of three tonnes of MDMA and methylamphetamine has led to the arrest and extradition of two international fugitives, who police allege were the largest drug importers of the mid-2010s.

The eight-year investigation involved the cooperation of 15 Australian and international law enforcement agencies.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith told Clinton Maynard facing court here in Australia is something these alleged importers “never imagined would happen”.

“These two individuals never thought it possible that NSW police and government would reach this far into bringing them back.

“They set themselves up in Dubai in a very lavish lifestyle … obviously that’s come to an end with their arrest.

“The message we have for other organised crime figures who think they can set up in Dubai, no longer.”

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Image: NSW Police