He was regarded as untouchable, the leader of a small group of crime fighters who had extraordinary powers and operated in almost total secrecy. People questioned by Mark Standen were compelled to talk, and unable to talk to anyone else except a lawyer. Otherwise they faced jail.
But last week the tables were unceremoniously turned as federal agents locked down the New South Wales Crime Commission's headquarters in downtown Sydney. Their target was Standen - one of Australia's most senior police officers - who had just returned from lunch and was at his desk.
As he was cuffed, the 51-year-old thought it was a practical joke, except no one was laughing. This weekend he is behind bars facing life in jail.
Standen's dramatic arrest was the culmination of an investigation spanning four continents that dismantled a large drugs syndicate.
As assistant director of the New South Wales Crime Commission, he led the investigations of a powerful agency tasked with tackling major drug traffickers, organised crime networks and corrupt cops.
But prosecutors say their prime suspect crossed the fence, and he is now accused of co-ordinating a plot to flood Australia with A$120 million (HK$895.54 million) worth of the drug Ice.
The charges have cast a pall over the 30-year career of an officer who led major busts and had regular access to the most sensitive intelligence material.