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14 April 2016, 5:08pm
Media Release

Woman charged and approximately 29kg of crystal meth seized

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

A 19-year-old Hong Kong national will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court today (Thursday, 14 April) charged with allegedly importing crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and ephedrine through the international air mail and air cargo stream.

Taskforce Icarus officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and Australian Border Force (ABF) commenced a joint agency operation in November 2015.

ABF officers at the Melbourne Gateway Facility identified a suspicious importation which, upon examination, contained about one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine.

Between November 2015 and March 2016, a further three importations allegedly  linked to the 19-year-old woman were identified, examined and found to contain approximately 28kg of crystal methamphetamine and 700 grams of ephedrine .

Yesterday (Wednesday 13 April), Officers from the AFP and Victoria Police executed a search warrant on a Docklands property where they arrested the woman.

She was charged with:

  • three counts of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, namely crystal methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth);
  • one count of importing a marketable quantity of border controlled precursor, namely ephedrine, contrary to section 307.12 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth);
  • one count of attempt to possess a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 and 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) .

The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.

AFP Commander Paul Osborne, Manager Crime Operations said the Task Force is working together to target criminal syndicates.

“Task Force Icarus will continue to target those who seek to take advantage of the international mail and air cargo systems to import illicit drugs”.

“Those seeking to bring these destructive drugs into Australia should be aware that our capabilities to detect and disrupt organised crime continue to grow, and we will not slow our efforts,” Commander Osborne said.

Victoria Police Commander for Crime Command Cindy Millen said illicit drug use and drug-related crime has a negative impact on our community and people involved face heavy penalties.

“Anyone who is involved in importing illicit drugs should be aware of the seriousness of these offences and that they could face life in prison.”

Acting Regional Commander Victoria and Tasmania, Glenn Scutts, said the examination of international mail yields a large number of detections of drugs and other prohibited goods each year.

“This work contributes to maintaining the security of Australia’s border and the safety of the Australian community,” Commander Scutts said.

“ABF officers work tirelessly in combating illicit drug importation to ensure these dangerous drugs do not reach the Australian community.”

Task Force Icarus is a joint agency initiative that targets those who seek to use the international mail and air cargo systems for criminal activity.

Media enquiries
AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333
Victoria Police Media: (03) 9247 5205
ABF Media: (02) 6264 2244