An international drug cartel has been exposed for distributing large amounts of fake cocaine—made from sugar and caffeine—to criminal syndicates in Sydney, according to NSW Police.

Authorities arrested five individuals, all Colombian nationals traveling with Spanish passports, after they attempted to sell 95 kilograms of an inert substance designed to resemble cocaine. The powder was compressed into bricks and stamped to look authentic.

Detective Superintendent Peter Faux of the NSW Organised Crime Squad revealed that at least four Sydney crime syndicates were tricked into paying up to $90,000 per kilogram for the counterfeit drug. “This could have caused serious street-level violence,” Faux stated, noting that criminals might retaliate after discovering the scam.

On Wednesday night, Strike Force Bookar detectives raided a unit in North Rocks, recovering ten fake bricks, $121,000 in cash, foreign currency, 14 phones, multiple SIM and bank cards, and documents linked to crypto and international transfers. Tests confirmed the powder was not cocaine.

The cartel is believed to have used similar tactics in London. International law enforcement agencies have been alerted to the scheme.