Victorian-based criminal syndicate members who attempted to smuggle more than a billion-dollars' worth of illicit drugs into Australia have been jailed in Melbourne.
Two men, who were behind the coordination of one of Australia's largest onshore methamphetamine seizures in 2019, were collectively sentenced to a total of 53 years' imprisonment, after facing the County Court of Victoria today (Wednesday, 18 December, 2024).
The pair was charged with serious drug offences over the failed import of about 1.6 tonne of methamphetamine and 37kg of heroin concealed inside a consignment of stereo speakers sent from Thailand to Melbourne.
The syndicate coordinator, an Elwood man, 42, was sentenced to 32 years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 21 years. His co-offender, a Darley man, 43, was handed a 21-year jail term, with a non-parole period of 14 years.
The duo was charged under the AFP-led investigation, known as Operation Circinus, which started after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers located illicit drugs inside the consignment when it arrived at the Melbourne Container Examination Facility in April, 2019.
In total, authorities seized 1.596 tonne of methamphetamine and 37kg of heroin, with an estimated street value of $1.197 billion and $18.5 million respectively. At the time of the seizure, this amount was equal to almost 16 million drug deals. The majority of drugs were found wrapped in green and gold tea packaging.
It remains one of the largest seizures of methamphetamine in Australian history.
The syndicate members were arrested on 4 December, 2019, after AFP officers executed search warrants across Melbourne at Darley, Sunshine West, Brooklyn, Elwood and Murrumbeena.
The two men were convicted in the County Court of Victoria on 16 May, 2024.
They were each charged with the following offence:
- Importing a Commercial Quantity of border control drugs, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
AFP Acting Commander Donna Tankard said the seizure was one of the biggest in the nation's history and highlighted the strength of the collaboration between the AFP and its law enforcement partners.
"This seizure and the subsequent arrests of the criminal syndicate operating in Melbourne are a true testament to the incredible work undertaken by the AFP and our Commonwealth law enforcement partners to stop transnational serious organised crime in its tracks," a/Commander Tankard said.
"I would like to thank all of our members who spent countless hours as part of this investigation and those who continue to work tirelessly to keep dangerous drugs off our streets, out of our communities and out of our homes."
On average, close to 12,000 Australians are hospitalised from methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin use every 12 months.
A/Commander Tankard said the outcome under Operation Circinus should serve as a warning to people involved in drug trafficking.
"We know that Australia remains a lucrative target for criminals driven by greed and profits to import harmful illicit substances into our community.
"These criminals were calculating, and these criminals were coordinated. And that was all part of their undoing. Now they are paying the price for their crimes.
"The AFP, together with our Commonwealth, state and international law enforcement partners are always keeping watch, and remain one step ahead of those who attempt to import illicit substances into our country."
ABF Acting Commander Ben Michalke said ABF officers remained committed to stamping out organised crime's attempts to proliferate the illegal global drug trade.
"The criminal actors who have today had an appropriate punishment meted out, conspired to defraud the Australian people, and put an unprecedented number of lives at risk," Acting Commander Michalke said.
"Methamphetamine and heroin have disastrous consequences in the community and we are pleased to have worked closely with our global, and state and federal partners to ensure Australia's borders remain secure."
