Two Sydney men have been charged following a joint investigation into two shipments totaling 13 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in vehicle parts. They are expected to face Central Local Court today (29 September 2020).
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected anomalies in two air cargo consignments from the United States earlier this month. The consignments contained a total of 13.2 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside four drive shafts.
The detection was transferred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for investigation.
AFP officers substituted the methamphetamine with an inert substance prior to conducting a controlled delivery of the consignments to a warehouse in Liverpool, NSW yesterday (28 September 2020).
The consignments were picked up by two men, aged 31 and 27, later that afternoon.
The men were arrested and charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine under section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
It will be alleged the men used details of legitimate businesses and business names to have the consignments delivered, but would intercept the delivery just prior to it reaching the actual business premises.
Police also executed a search warrant at a premises in Kogarah, NSW yesterday (28 September 2020) where traces of methamphetamine were found on vacuum seal devices, food saver bags and other paraphernalia believed to be used for the packaging and distribution of border controlled drugs.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Rob Jenner said intelligence sharing and close collaboration with partner agencies ensures police remain one step ahead of organised crime syndicates attempting to have their illegal activities remain undetected.
"The AFP will work closely with its domestic and international partners to continue enquiries into the criminal group responsible for this importation, and identify possible distributors within Australia," Det. A/Supt. Jenner said.
NSW Regional Commander Danielle Yannopoulos said the ABF is committed to detecting illicit drugs at the Australian border, no matter how criminals try to hide them.
"The methods criminals are using to conceal their drugs are constantly evolving, but ABF officers use technological advancements, intelligence analysis and their unique skills to keep on top of the latest trends and concealment methods," Commander Yannopoulos said.
"ABF officers work tirelessly every day to stop these harmful drugs ending up on Australian streets and ruining people's lives."