Leading owner charged after investigation into drug smuggling

Damion Flower, a leading racehorse owner in Australia who holds one of the 12 slots for the Everest - the richest turf race in the world - has been charged over his alleged role in smuggling cocaine on commercial flights from South Africa.

Flower, who owns shares in up to 50 horses, including stallion Snitzel, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with six counts of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.

Flower, 47, was one of three men arrested after an investigation into alleged drug trafficking at Sydney airport.

Snitzel: Group 1 winner owned by Damion FlowerCredit: Getty Images

A 50-year-old airport worker from Oran Park was arrested after he was allegedly found to be in the possession of 28 kilograms of a substance believed to be cocaine. Approximately A$8 million (£4.35 million) in cash was seized at a location linked to the airport worker.

A statement from authorities said Flower was arrested over "his alleged role in receiving imports of illegal drugs from the Oran Park man".

On April 15 a 42-year-old man was arrested near Sydney airport after he was allegedly found to be in the possession of 27 kilograms of a substance believed to be cocaine.

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