Police operation nets 33kgs of drugs, two arrested

Publish date: Friday, 27 October 2017, Publish time: 5:00pm

This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force.

A police operation targeting parcel post importations in Victoria has resulted in the seizure of over 33 kilograms of border controlled drugs and two arrests.

AFP Operation CROZET commenced in February 2017 when the Australian Border Force (ABF) referred a number of international mail items to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Among the drugs seized from the international mail stream were 15.8 kilograms of MDMA, 2.6 kilograms of cocaine and 1.1 kilogram of ketamine.

Subsequently, three search warrants were today executed in the Melbourne suburbs of Mernda and Kew. During the search warrants, police seized a large quantity of drugs including 1 kg of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 700 grams of Cocaine, 10 kg of MDMA, 1 kg Cannabis, 1 kg Ketamine and 10 vials of testosterone. Also seized was 16 litres of 1,4 butanedial, which the human body metabolises into GHB.

Police also seized a large quantity of cash as well as a Lamborghini sports car believed to be the proceeds of crime.

A 27 year-old Mernda man and a 26 year-old Kew man were arrested and charged with a range of offences relating to the importation, trafficking and possession of border controlled drugs as well as offences relating to dealing with the proceeds of crime.

AFP Commander Justine Gough, Manager Crime Operations, said this operation served as a warning to criminals who think they can move drugs through the postal stream.

“The AFP and its partners remain committed to targeting importations of all illicit substances on every scale,” Commander Gough said.

ABF Regional Commander James Watson, said this detection shows the ABF is always on high alert and will continue our efforts to detect and disrupt those who seek to import illicit substances.

“Not only are we making detections of illicit drugs at the Australian border every day, our officers are collecting and sharing important intelligence with our law enforcement partners and this result re-iterates that our targeting methods are working.”

Both men are scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court today (Friday, 27 October 2017).

Note to Media:

Footage and images of the operation can be downloaded through the below links.

Stills – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/WOtiEjjBst

Video – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/WTFXsCdACV

Media enquiries:

AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333

ABF Media: (02) 6264 2244