Media Release: Joint investigation seizes more than 70kg of ice
Release Date: Friday, September 21 2012, 11:26 AM
This is a joint media release between the AFP and Customs and Border Protection
Three Sydney men have been charged in a joint operation conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
Two of the men have been charged with attempting to possess while the third man has been charged with importing 73kg of ‘ice’ (methamphetamine) into Australia hidden within furniture.
It is estimated that the street value of this quantity of ice is worth up to $42 million.
The operation began earlier this month when Customs and Border Protection officers, acting on intelligence, inspected a shipping container that had arrived into Sydney from Hong Kong.
Documents associated with the container listed the contents as an outdoor dining set. X-rays and a physical unpack of the container located 69 packages secreted inside the framework of five lounges.
The matter was then referred to the AFP for further investigation.
On 20 September 2012 the AFP conducted a controlled operation after the furniture was accessed by three men at a residence in Fairfield.
The AFP subsequently executed further search warrants in Sydney overnight.
Customs and Border Protection National Manager Cargo Operations Jagtej Singh said this seizure will help to protect the community.
“Ice is a terrible drug that destroys people’s lives. This seizure is another great example of the work that our officers and our law enforcement partners do everyday to maintain the integrity of our borders, and to protect our community,” Mr Singh said.
AFP Manager of Serious and Organised Crime David Sharpe said the successful outcome of this joint investigation is a great result for the two agencies.
"The strength of partnerships formed by law enforcement agencies nationally and internationally have resulted in significant seizures of illicit narcotics over the past 12 months," Commander Sharpe said.
“This seizure adds to the 14 tonnes of illicit substances seized last financial year by the AFP and partner agencies.”
A 29-year-old man has been charged with:
- Importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
A 19-year-old-man and a 32-year-old man have been charged with:
- Attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995, by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The men are expected to appear in Sydney Central local court today.
The maximum penalty for each offence is life imprisonment and/or an $825,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
Customs and Border Protection media (02) 6275 6793
Australian Federal Police media (02) 6131 6333