Media Release: Three arrested, 10 kilograms of amphetamine seized hidden in wine bottles
Release Date: Thursday, September 13 2012, 12:21 PM
Three men are scheduled to appear in Central Local Court and Newtown Court today charged with importing approximately 10 kilograms of pure amphetamine into Australia.
The operation began earlier this year when New South Wales Police provided the AFP with information relating to the suspected importation of amphetamine via international mail.
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service subsequently intercepted five consignments, believed to have originated from France, containing wine bottles filled with a suspicious liquid.
Initial testing of the substance indicated the presence of amphetamine.
The AFP subsequently conducted a controlled delivery and executed seven search warrants in Petersham, Five Dock, Ashfield, Dulwich Hill, Pyrmont, Forest Lodge and North Ryde.
The AFP has charged three men, aged between 18 and 27 with the following:
- Attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely amphetamine, contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
- Aid and Abet an Attempt to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely amphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
AFP Acting Manager Crime Operations David Berston said yesterday’s operation showed domestic law enforcement agencies are serious about combating the importation of illegal substances.
"We will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to prosecute those who attempt to import drugs across our borders and onto our streets," Commander Berston said.
“This seizure and subsequent arrests is another example of agencies working together to stop the importation of drugs, no matter what the concealment method used by crime syndicates.”
Customs and Border Protection National Manager Cargo Operations, Jagtej Singh, said this seizure highlights the importance of partner agencies sharing intelligence to target criminal syndicates seeking to breach our borders.
“Our officers are highly trained in detecting concealed substances coming through the international mail and work closely with other agencies to ensure these substances do not find their way into our communities,” Mr Singh said.
The maximum penalty for each offence is life imprisonment and/or an $825,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793