The AFP has charged a juvenile Chinese national with attempting to import 8kg of methamphetamine into Australia and traffic illicit drugs in Western Australia, after an investigation supported by Hong Kong authorities and Australian Border Force (ABF).
The male, 17, is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (3 July, 2024) after he was remanded in custody during his first court appearance last week (26 June, 2024).
He was arrested and charged on 25 June (2024) as a result of an investigation that started after ABF officers in Sydney intercepted a consignment from Hong Kong in early June (2024) and found it contained 6kg of cocaine.
AFP and ABF officers in Hong Kong shared intelligence emanating from this seizure with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (HKCE). The agencies continued to work together and on 17 June (2024) HKCE intercepted the 8kg of methamphetamine concealed inside a consignment of four stone statue pedestals destined for WA.
AFP investigators in WA executed a search warrant at an East Perth apartment on 25 June, 2024, where they allegedly found a package of about 1kg of a white substance in the fridge, which returned a positive reading for methamphetamine.
They also seized evidence allegedly linked to the attempted 8kg methamphetamine import and items used for drug distribution, including scales and clip seal bags.
The male, 17, living at the apartment was arrested and charged with:
- One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, contrary to section 302.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for each of these offences is life imprisonment.
The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department also seized a further 4kg of methamphetamine and 500 grams of liquid methamphetamine. The HKCE has charged a Chinese citizen, aged 27, residing in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with three counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug in relation to those further seizures.
AFP Detective Sergeant Tom Blakeley said the AFP and its international law enforcement partners were committed to combating cross-border illicit drug trafficking networks.
"These drug syndicates inflict harm in every community they operate in, and this matter is another example of the strong outcomes that can be achieved through a united law enforcement front," Detective Sergeant Blakeley said.
"Methamphetamine is the second-most consumed illicit drug in Australia, and the seizures in Hong Kong and here could have accounted for about 90,000 individual street deals.*
"Across Australia, 27 people on average were admitted to hospital every day in 2021-22 for methamphetamine-related issues**. That has an impact on the health system that can negatively affect the entire community.
"The AFP is one of the most important protectors of the way of life for all Australians. We are committed to stopping serious organised crime groups that seek to profit from the harm they cause in our communities. "We are continuing to work with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department to identify everyone involved in trying to send the illicit drugs to Australia."
ABF acting Inspector Alexandar Dzajkoski said he was proud of the diligent work of frontline officers to intercept illicit substances.
"We will always work closely with our local and international partners to block and seize illicit drug consignments, breaking the business model of criminals and preventing harm to the Australian community," acting Inspector Dzajkoski said.
Sources:
*ACIC Illicit Drug Calculator 2020-2021
**Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report
