The AFP is calling for public assistance after finding about 300kg of MDMA and about 70kg of ketamine in a consignment of metal fiber at a Sydney storage facility.
Police are trying to identify the transnational criminal syndicate behind the import, after seizing the drugs on Friday (23 February, 2024) during a warrant executed on the facility in the Sydney suburb of Box Hill.
A search of a storage room in the facility revealed 20 pallets of boxes labelled as metal fiber that had been transported via a shipping container to the storage facility.
Police found some of the boxes were filled with sand and plastic water bottles. Tests of the substances inside the plastic bottles allegedly returned presumptive positive results for both MDMA and ketamine.
The drugs will be subject to further forensic testing to determine their exact weight and purity.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said 300kg of MDMA had a potential estimated street value of more than $12 million.
"The organised crime syndicates behind these large-scale importations don't care about the harm they're causing, the hospital admissions or drug driving accidents. They only care about the profits they can make," Det-Supt Cressy said.
"We will be relentless in pursuing the syndicate responsible for this importation and we are pleased we were able to prevent these drugs from reaching our communities.
"Ketamine is a dangerous and illicit sedative. Its dissociative effects block sensory brain signals and can cause memory loss, feelings of being detached from one's body and prevent a user's ability to perceive danger. The syndicates pedaling this substance have no regard to the danger it poses the Australian public.
"If you know anything about this consignment, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 or report via crimestoppers.com.au."
