An anonymous tip-off has led the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to bust a plot to import almost 900kg of methamphetamine hidden inside industrial machinery into Sydney from the United States.
The police investigation started after the tip-off to Crime Stoppers last month and intelligence received from United States Homeland Security Investigations relating to large drug shipments to a Sydney-based furniture store.
Border Force officers then examined a shipping container in Port Botany which contained two computer numerical control (CNC) machines, used in manufacturing.
Testing showed a positive result for methamphetamine and further inquiries revealed it was carrying an estimated 896kg of methamphetamine hidden inside packages in both machines.
The drugs were removed and the consignment was then delivered to its intended address.
Police said two men were arrested after allegedly being caught examining and opening the container.
A 31-year-old Sydney man has been charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in a Sydney court on Wednesday. He is being held in custody and will next face court in October.
One of the men was later released pending further inquiries.
The AFP’s investigation started last month following an anonymous tip-off to Crime Stoppers and intelligence received from the United States’ Homeland Security Investigations. Credit: Supplied
AFP detective superintendent Peter Fogarty said the consignment was estimated to have equated to almost nine million individual street deals and had an estimated street value of $828 million.
Fogarty described it as a “massive” quantity of methamphetamine and believed an organised crime syndicate was behind it.
“Our investigations are ongoing and we’re working towards further arrests,” he told reporters on Friday.
“Methamphetamine is the second most consumed illicit drug in Australia and its impact can be felt across the community, in our homes and in our hospitals.”
Australian Border Force acting commander Asha Patwardhan thanked the community for the tip-off that led to the bust.
“No matter what type of complex concealment methodology may be used, whether it be concrete or metal, we do have the capability and the screening technology and our officer intuition to locate and find these substances and prevent the illicit flow of a significant quantity of drugs getting on to our streets.”
