SEVEN men, including two Canadians, have been charged with drug importation offences  following a Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST) investigation into trusted insiders importing illicit drugs into Sydney, says the Australian Federal Police.

MAST investigators established a taskforce to investigate the importation and supply of large quantities of prohibited drugs and illicit tobacco by a 42-year-old man and his associates, who were allegedly claiming they could bypass border controls.

Through their investigations they discovered more than 280 kg of liquid methamphetamine, more than 20 million illicit cigarettes and a planned 50 kg cocaine import hidden in cement bags.

Search warrants across various locations in Sydney uncovered firearms, 243 boxes of tobacco, a methamphetamine cookbook and other items consistent with drug manufacture and supply.

The two Canadian nationals, aged 24 and 31, were both charged with attempt to possess commercial quantity unlawful import: border controlled drug, and participate in a criminal group.

It is alleged the two men flew in from Canada to retrieve the cocaine from the cement bags and onward supply it to organised crime groups in New South Wales (NSW).

The seven men have each been refused bail and remain in jail awaiting their next court appearance.