TWO MEXICAN nationals have been charged over the alleged import of $185 million worth of methamphetamine in a shipping container brought into Sydney.
An investigation began earlier this month after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted a targeted consignment from Mexico. ABF detector dogs inspected the container and provided a positive indication to narcotics, and the matter was then referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
AFP forensic investigators began a deconstruction of the container and identified a layer of methamphetamine infused within the internal paintwork of the container.
Police will allege the container contained more than 200kg of methamphetamine, equating to two million individual street deals, with an estimated street value of $185 million.
Following further inquiries, AFP investigators yesterday (15 June) executed a search warrant at a property in the Sydney suburb of Box Hill, believed to be occupied by the recipients of the shipment.
Police located and seized electronic devices and other industrial equipment which was to allegedly be used in the extraction of methamphetamine.
Three Mexican nationals, including a father and son, and a 25-year-old woman were arrested.
Both men, aged 25 and 49, were subsequently charged by the AFP with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5 (by virtue of section 11.1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The woman was released pending further inquiries.
AFP detective acting superintendent Trevor Robinson praised the unwavering commitment of AFP investigators to target criminal networks and keep Australians safe from the growing threat of illicit drugs.
“Criminal syndicates like to think they have outsmarted law enforcement by impregnating drugs in unique ways, but this seizure highlights that isn’t the case,” Det Robinson said.
“This investigation has prevented millions of dollars of drug profit flowing back into the syndicate to fund their next criminal venture.
“The AFP is working tirelessly with our domestic and international partners to make Australia a hostile environment to these criminal syndicates, to protect the Australian community.”
ABF superintendent Jared Leighton said the concealment method demonstrated the lengths organised syndicates go to.
“Detailed examination of cargo is critical to protecting the border, and our officers are highly skilled in identifying anomalies in even the most elaborate concealments,” he said.
“This detection reinforces that the ABF is well-equipped to detect even highly complex importation attempts.
“Every detection emphasises the strength of ABF’s intelligence-led approach to protecting Australia’s borders.”