A TANZANIAN national has appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrate’s Court charged with allegedly importing three kilos of methamphetamine into South Australia.
An investigation began on November 8 after a security guard contracted by Flinders Ports stopped the cargo crew member for a random baggage inspection in Port Adelaide.
Police allege during the routine bag check, port staff found three suspicious packages containing a crystal-like substance in the man’s backpack.
Australian Border Force officers attended the screening point, where the contents tested positive for methamphetamine.
AFP Detective Superintendent Melinda Adam said quantity of drugs could have equated to about 30,000 individual deals, with an estimated street value of $2.7 million.
“Protecting our maritime border from being exploited relies on these important partnerships, together we are making it as hostile as possible for criminals to flood our shores with these harmful drugs,” Det. Superintendent Adam said.
AFP investigators seized the packages and arrested the man, who was later charged him with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
Following the arrest, Australian Border Force officers searched the vessel, with no additional suspicious items found.
ABF superintendent Jody Griswood said the security guard’s actions in partnership with the authorities protected Australia’s maritime supply chain from criminal infiltration.
“Protecting our maritime border from being exploited relies on these important partnerships, together we are making it as hostile as possible for criminals to flood our shores with these harmful drugs,” she said.
The man was refused bail at Port Adelaide Police Station and due to appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on December 9.