Sydney police boss 'in drug ring'

Mark Standen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted

A senior Australian police officer has been charged in connection with an alleged international plot to import half a tonne of drug-making chemicals.

Mark Standen is accused of conspiracy to smuggle controlled substances and supply banned drugs and of perverting the course of justice.

The assistant director of the New South Wales Crime Commission did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody.

His next hearing is on 11 June. He could face life in prison if convicted.

Mr Standen, who was arrested on Monday, is accused of having helped a drug-trafficking syndicate with operatives in the Netherlands, Pakistan and Thailand.

They allegedly plotted to bring to Australia 1,300lb (600kg) of the chemical Pseudoephedrine,that could be used to make Aus $120m ($114 million; £58m) of the methamphetamine known as "ice".