The AFP has charged two Chinese nationals and Sydney man over a failed plot to import more than half a tonne of illicit drugs into Australia in 2024, with a further two Chinese nationals charged over the alleged possession of precursor chemicals.
The five men were arrested in Sydney yesterday (15 January, 2025), with three charged over their alleged involvement in the importation of 421kg of MDMA pills, 120kg blocks of an illicit substance suspected to be 'pink cocaine' and 80kg of methamphetamine in a consignment sent from Italy.
The blocks consisted of a pink powder of MDMA mixed with ketamine which police believe is the cocktail of substances known as 'pink cocaine' or Tusi. Further testing will be done on these blocks.
Another two men, who were identified during the investigation into the drug import, were also arrested in Sydney yesterday and charged with allegedly possessing precursors for manufacture or production of prohibited drugs, contrary to section 24A of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW).
The AFP and Australian Border Force (ABF) launched a joint investigation in July, 2024, after ABF officers found the MDMA and methamphetamine in a consignment of galvanized hooks, which arrived at the Port of Melbourne.
The MDMA pills had an estimated street value of about $26 million and could have been sold as about one million street deals.
The methamphetamine had an estimated street value close to $74 million and could have been sold as up to 800,000 street deals.
The Australian market for Tusi, or 'pink cocaine', is not well established but wholesale prices of the drug cocktail are understood to be between $100,000 and $140,000 per kilogram. The 'pink cocaine' if sold could have had a potential street value of up to $16.8 million.
The AFP substituted the illicit drugs with an inert substance and delivered the container to an address in Brooklyn, Victoria, on 1 August, 2024.
It is alleged the consignment was later transported to a storage facility in the western Sydney suburb of Auburn, NSW.
Following further investigations multiple warrants were executed in Sydney yesterday, resulting in the five arrests.
The two Chinese nationals, aged 39 and 32, and a Sydney man, 34, linked to the 621kg, are expected to face Downing Centre Local Court today (16 January, 2025), each charged with:
- Two counts of import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely MDMA and methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- Two counts of attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely MDMA and methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5(1) by virtue of subsection 11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for each of these charges is life imprisonment.
The two other men, aged 50 and 58 and from Auburn, have each been charged with one count of possessing a precursor intended for use in the manufacture or production of a prohibited drug, contrary to section 24A of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW).
The 58-year-old was also charged with one count of contravening requirements in a section 3LA order when the warrant relates to a serious offence, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
AFP Commander Raegan Stewart said authorities were pleased to have prevented more than 600kg of illicit drugs and another 150kg of precursor chemicals, commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, from reaching the Australian community.
"Importing nearly half a tonne of MDMA into Australia is a significant criminal endeavour and demonstrates the insatiable appetite for illicit drugs in our country, and the lucrative market through which organised criminals seek to earn significant profit," Commander Stewart said.
"I extend my sincere thanks for the expert assistance from NSW Police Chemical Operations team and NSW Fire and Rescue HAZMAT, for rendering the search warrant scenes safe and providing the expertise to deal with these dangerous and often volatile precursor chemicals.
"Criminals importing illicit drugs on an industrial scale are ruining thousands of lives and helping destroy communities and families across Australia.
"MDMA tablets often contain substantially different amounts of MDMA, as well as other harmful substances within the same batch, which may lead to overdose or even death.
"People consuming illicit drugs might not care that they are putting their health at risk, but they need to be aware they are effectively financing violent and exploitative organised crime groups.
"I'd like to thank AFP investigators and all support capabilities across both Victoria and NSW, who confront each challenge with pride and dedication, and helped ensure the success of this crucial investigation.
"The partnership between AFP and Australian Border Force was key during this investigation and we will continue to work together to disrupt attempts by organised crime to import illicit drugs into our country."
ABF Acting Commander Fiona Strong said this seizure of border-controlled drugs served as yet another example of the various measures that the ABF deployed to prevent drug traffickers from profiting in Australia.
"Our ABF officers are highly skilled, and equipped with technology and capabilities that enable the detection of even the slightest trace of these drugs," a/Commander Strong said.
"On this occasion, our ABF officers noticed an anomaly between the consignment and the purported description of goods, and upon further inspection discovered the illicit drugs.
"These criminals are relentless, however, our commitment to seizing dangerous illicit substances, and prosecuting those who attempt to bring them into our country, remains an absolute priority."
