A man accused of smuggling 59kg of cocaine in a shipment of frozen fish has been found dead in his jail cell.
Dimitrios Mavris, from east of Sydney, was arrested on May 23 after he was arrested by Australian Federal Police officers upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, Sydney Morning Herald reported.
NSW Police and Corrective Services NSW confirmed Mr Mavris was found dead in his jail cell in Surry Hills on Friday.
Dimitrios Mavris, allegedly imported 59kg of cocaine concealed in two shipping containers
Police were going to allege Mr Mavris imported three shipping containers of frozen fish, with cocaine concealed within the container’s walls
Police reportedly believe Mr Mavris committed suicide and are not treating his death as suspicious.
‘Corrective services officers located the 48-year-old man deceased in his cell about 6.20pm on Friday May 26,’ police said in a statement.
‘Surry Hills police area command officers have commenced enquiries, however the man’s death is not being treated as suspicious.’
Police alleged Mr Mavris imported three shipping containers of frozen fish with cocaine concealed within the container’s walls.
The shipment travelled from Peru into Australia.
The cocaine’s street value was estimated at $20.6 million.
Last week, AFP Commander Krissy Barrett said investigators had worked ‘tirelessly’ on the case, Sydney Morning Herald reported.
‘They pursued the investigation and were able to stop 59 kilograms of cocaine at the border,’ she said.
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The shipment was coming from Peru into Australia, and revealed the drugs wrapped in taped packages
The cocaine (pictured) has a potential street value of approximately $20.6 million