A 25-year-old man from Werribee has been charged for his alleged involvement in a plot to import 80kg of methamphetamine into Australia.
The Victoria Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) arrested the suspect on July 31, 2024, after the illicit drugs were seized in October 2023, following a tip-off from US law enforcement.
The Seizure and Investigation
The methamphetamine was concealed in a consignment of steel boxes addressed to a Victorian business. Upon its arrival in October 2023, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted and seized the drugs. Authorities estimate that this quantity of methamphetamine could have been distributed as 800,000 individual street deals, with a street value of approximately $74 million.
Delivery and Initial Arrest
In November 2023, the consignment was delivered to an address in Moorabbin. During the delivery, the Werribee man was observed in the vicinity and subsequently arrested. A search of his home uncovered encrypted telecommunications devices, small quantities of border-controlled drugs, and evidence of drug manufacture. Although he was released pending further inquiries, the investigation continued to build a substantial case against him.
Further Evidence and Additional Charges
A thorough review of additional evidence revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in trafficking 11kg of MDMA, 10kg of methamphetamine, 5kg of cocaine, and 2kg of ketamine. Additionally, he is accused of laundering approximately $850,000 obtained from criminal activities. This led to his re-arrest in Newcomb and subsequent charges.
Charges and Court Appearance
The suspect faces multiple charges, including:
- Importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug (methamphetamine) under section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
- Dealing with money is believed to be proceeds of an indictable crime, valued at $856,700 or more, under section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
- Trafficking large commercial quantities of methamphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, and MDMA under section 71 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic).
- Possession of materials for drug trafficking and proceeds of crime under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic).
During a search of his home and vehicle, police seized an electronic device and international banking cards. He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 1, 2024, where no bail application was made. The case is set to return to court on October 23, 2024.
AFP Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur highlighted the dangers posed by illicit drugs and reiterated the commitment to bring those involved in trafficking to justice.
He stated,
“The seizure of 80kg of methamphetamine not only kept our communities safer but deprived a criminal syndicate of millions of dollars.”
Victoria Police Detective Superintendent David Cowan underscored the broader societal impacts of methamphetamine use, linking it to various forms of violent crime.
He emphasised,
“The damage caused by the use of methamphetamine ripples throughout the community, affecting not just users but those around them.”
ABF Commander Clint Sims praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in disrupting drug trafficking.
“These criminal networks are relentless, but so are we. We will continue to work hand in glove with our law enforcement partners to prevent this extremely addictive drug from being sold on Australian streets,” he said.
Collaborative Effort
The Victorian JOCTF, comprising members from the AFP, Victoria Police, ABF, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), and the Department of Home Affairs, remains dedicated to targeting and dismantling criminal syndicates involved in the illicit drug trade. Their coordinated efforts are crucial in making Australia a hostile environment for drug traffickers and ensuring the safety of the community.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism.
