Three men charged with importing methamphetamine in steel rollers
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force.
A joint Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) operation has resulted in two Taiwanese nationals and a Brisbane man being charged with importing approximately 42 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The operation began earlier this month when ABF officers targeted a sea consignment that arrived in Sydney. They uncovered a white crystalline substance concealed within two large steel rollers, which tested positively for methamphetamine.
The AFP identified people associated with the consignment and yesterday afternoon, simultaneous operational activity was conducted in Sydney and Brisbane.
The two Taiwanese nationals aged 28 and 38 were arrested at an address in Hurstville and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth) and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth). These men are scheduled to appear in the Sydney Central Local court today (Thursday 12 May 2016).
A 37-year-old Sunnybank man was arrested and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). He is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Arrest court today (Thursday 12 May 2016).
AFP Commander Paul Osborne, Manager Crime Operations, said the interception of this importation and the charging of these three men is a clear win in the fight against illicit drugs.
“Our officers and partners are committed to identifying and disrupting importations such as this, and it is particularly satisfying to know that at least 420,000 street deals of methamphetamine won’t be available in our communities as a result of this hard work,” Commander Osborne said.
ABF Regional Commander NSW, Tim Fitzgerald said this detection demonstrated the value in using intelligence to identify and target high-risk sea cargo.
“The ABF works closely with our domestic and international law enforcement partners, including the AFP, to share intelligence and target criminal activity at the border,” Commander Fitzgerald said.
“In this case, we’ve stopped a significant quantity of dangerous and illegal drugs from reaching the community and potentially causing great harm.”
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment and investigations into this matter are continuing.
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