Four charged on drug importation and proceeds of crime offences
Four Chinese nationals appeared before Melbourne Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday 21 April 2016) charged with attempting to import about 12kg of methamphetamine.
Three men - aged 20, 22 and 25 - as well as a 22-year-old woman were arrested and charged as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) in Victoria, which consists of the Australian Border Force (ABF), the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and the Australian Crime Commission (ACC).
The operation began earlier this month when ABF officers examined an international mail article from China containing packages of noodles.
The ABF’s initial testing of the package returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
JOCTF investigators took possession of the seized consignment and conducted an investigation.
Investigators executed a search warrant yesterday (Wednesday 20 April 2016) at an apartment in central Melbourne, where five Chinese nationals were arrested.
Four individuals were charged with importing and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
They were also charged with proceeds of crime offences relating to alleged money laundering activity.
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
The four accused were all remanded in custody. A 22-year-old male was arrested but later released without charge.
The JOCTF works together to target organised crime in Victoria.
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AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333
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Victoria Police Media: (03) 9247 5205
Australian Crime Commission Media: 02 6243 6843