The AFP is investigating after about 100kg of methamphetamine was imported into Australia concealed within window frames.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected the illicit drugs on 26 January 2024, during a routine examination of a shipping container, which had arrived in Sydney from Mexico.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said the AFP worked closely with the ABF and other partner agencies to ensure Australia remained a hostile environment for criminal syndicates.
“Criminals may work hard to plan and execute elaborate schemes, but the AFP and its partner agencies work harder to detect and seize these concealments.”
Det-Supt Cressy added:
“This amount of methamphetamine could have been distributed in the Australian community as about 1,000,000 street deals worth an estimated $90 million. Methamphetamine, even in small amounts, causes immense harm to users, their loved ones, and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and associated crime.”
Officers identified abnormalities when they x-rayed the contents of the consignment and further examination of the frames revealed a white powder concealed below the surface.
Tests of the powder returned a positive result to methamphetamine and ABF alerted the AFP.
Further forensic testing will be done to determine the purity of the methamphetamine.
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said the detection capabilities of the Australian Border Force ensured officers were able to act swiftly to stop these narcotics from entering the country.
“Criminal syndicates are constantly attempting new concealment methods, however our Border Force officers, along with our federal counterparts, have slammed the window shut on this import.”
Supt Leighton further observed:
“Ice’ is an extremely destructive illicit substance, and we are working 24/7 to ensure we stop this insidious drug from harming Australian families.”
No charges have been laid at this stage and the investigation continues.
AFP is urging anyone who has any knowledge or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppers.com.au.
*Source: ACIC Illicit Drug Calculator.
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