Man charged over 45 kilogram pseudoephedrine haul

Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Customs have prevented 45 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, which may have been used in the manufacture of approximately $15.7 million of the drug ICE, from reaching Australia’s drug trade.

A 28-year-old Guildford man will face Sydney Central Local Court today charged with importing and attempting to possess the precursor chemical.

Police will allege that large blocks of powder weighing approximately 45 kilograms were contained in a consignment of three large glass boxes.

The consignment originated from Lebanon and was detected by Customs officers on 10 June at Sydney Airport’s air cargo facility.

The light brown powder tested positive for pseudoephedrine, which is a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, also known as ‘ICE’.

The AFP and Customs conducted an investigation and executed a search warrant on a Guildford residence yesterday, resulting in the man’s arrest.

AFP National Manager Border and International Tim Morris said that the seizure, which could produce methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of $15.7 million, was important in stopping drug manufacture in Australia.

“This seizure has saved the community more than $11 million in associated health and social costs,” Commander Morris said.

National Manager Cargo Operations North Catherine Asbridge said a detection of this quantity of pseudoephedrine and the subsequent arrest of the alleged importer shows that Customs and its partner agencies are committed to preventing prohibited precursor chemicals from entering Australia.

“Combating the importation of precursor chemicals is an important element in the fight against illicit drugs in the Australian community,” she said.

The man has been charged with importing and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled precursor, contrary to Sections 307.11, 308.2 and 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The maximum penalty for these offences is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.