The AFP has charged a father and son following an investigation into the attempted importation of illicit drugs into Australia using the postal system.
A man, 54, was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a methamphetamine precursor and a second man, 25, was charged with possessing child abuse material on 11 November, 2024.
Both men appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on 12 November, 2024, with the older man set to appear at the same court today (27 November, 2024). The younger man is set to reappear before the same court at a later date.
The AFP began an investigation in August, 2024, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility located 4.5kg of a methamphetamine precursor, called Nisopropylbenzlamine, in an international mail package sent from China. Nisopropylbenzlamine is a border controlled drug.
AFP began an investigation which resulted in the execution of search warrants at two properties in the western Sydney suburbs of Kellyville and Castle Hill on 11 November, 2024.
At the Kellyville unit, investigators located and seized two mobile phones, with one allegedly containing images of the manufacture of a white crystalline substance and a screenshot of instructions suspected to relate to the manufacture of drugs.
The AFP will allege investigators heard the man, 54, flushing a toilet and observed a substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, located nearby.
The man was arrested and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
At the Castle Hill unit, investigators located a laptop allegedly containing child abuse material and a large quantity of prohibited drug precursors.
The occupant of the unit, 25, was arrested and charged with possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 91H(2) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
AFP Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP worked closely with ABF and other partners to combat criminal syndicates which tried to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia and supply them to the community.
"Methamphetamine, like all illicit drugs, causes psychological, financial and social harm to users, their loved ones, and the broader community," Supt Fogarty said.
"While most air mail or air cargo imports might seem like relatively small amounts of illicit substances - anywhere from five grams to several kilograms - combined, they equate to millions of individual street deals that cause significant harm to the community.
"The AFP and partners are committed to protecting the community from the scourge of drugs and to targeting individuals who seek to profit from the illicit trade."
ABF Acting Commander Asha Patwardhan said the charges sent a clear message to those thinking about engaging in illegal and abhorrent activities.
"Our officers are dedicated to preventing community harm, whether that be from illicit drugs or child abuse material," A/Commander Patwardhan said.
"We will continue working in lockstep with AFP and other partners to detect and disrupt these activities, and ensure that those engaging in them face the full legal consequences."
