Adam Powell, 36, was picked up this month as part of a joint operation between the Australian Federal Police and the NSW Crime Commission, the Herald can reveal.

He and co-accused Zachary Little, 36, are accused of supplying an estimated nine kilograms of prohibited drugs, including a commercial quantity of cocaine.

Police believe the drugs, which allegedly includes "restricted" substances used in the manufacture of illicit drugs, are worth an estimated $4.5 million.

Mr Powell, from Hurlstone Park, and Mr Little from Matraville, were arrested on July 13 following an eight-month joint investigation, which is understood to include detailed surveillance of the pair.

The pair faced Parramatta Local Court the following day. They did not apply for bail and it was formally refused by magistrate Michael Price.

Authorities have kept the arrests quiet, hoping to make further arrests connected to the alleged drug syndicate – in particular any possible connections to Mr Ayik, who police have alleged is a prominent player in Australia's drug underworld.

He is closely aligned to the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang, in particular former president Daux Ngakuru.

Mr Ayik, 33, remains an international fugitive, having fled Australia in August 2010 while on bail for an alleged heroin importation.

Police also want Mr Ayik to return for questioning over a long list of organised crime activities, including heroin importation and attempting to set up an industrial methamphetamine laboratory in India.

He was arrested in Cyprus in December 2010 but was granted bail and has since disappeared.

It is understood Mr Powell used to train with Mr Ayik, who remains on the NSW Police Most Wanted list.

Both enjoyed the bodybuilding subculture and were photographed together flexing shirtless.

Mr Powell was a regular competitor in the Australian bodybuilding scene. He came second in the over 100-kilogram division of this year's Australasian Body Building, Fitness, Figure and Bikini Championships. His ex-wife was a competitor too.

AFP's ongoing operation Polaris, targeting organised crime on the waterfront, is responsible for the arreset of Mr Powell and Mr Little.

The AFP have failed to respond to requests for comment.

Mr Powell is facing charges of possessing an unregistered pistol, supplying prohibited drug at commercial quantity, possessing a restricted substance and possession of anabolic steroids along with dealing with the proceeds of crime.

Mr Little faces two charges of supplying a commercial and a large quantity of prohibited drugs. Both will reappear in Sydney's Central Local Court on August 28.

The Herald understands Mr Powell, who previously worked as a crane operator at the Patrick wharf in Sydney, was arrested at Mr Little's mother's house in Matraville. Mr Little was arrested by police a short time later.

Last month, Operation Polaris seized 20 kilograms of heroin in a container from Thailand on Sydney's docks. Five people are facing charges as a result.

Do you know more? Contact igridneff@fairfaxmedia.com.au