Acting on intelligence, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined a number of sea cargo containers, which had arrived into Port Botany in July and allegedly found 814kg of methamphetamine concealed within marble stone, and a number of additional containers, which arrived in August, with 1,060kg of methylamphetamine concealed in the same marble stone method.
More than 2,000kg of ‘ice’, which has an estimated potential street value of more than $1 billion, was allegedly seized during the investigation.
During the raids, police allegedly seized approximately 1.5kg of methamphetamine, about $100,000 cash, 100kg of illicit tobacco, electronic devices and documentation; all items will undergo further forensic examination.
A 29-year-old man was charged with attempted possess commercial quantity unlawful import, border controlled drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, a 40-year-old man charged with attempted possess commercial quantity unlawful import, border controlled drug, supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, a 42-year-old man charged with attempted possess commercial quantity unlawful import, border controlled drug, and knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime, and a 35-year-old man was charged with knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
Strike force investigators have already charged seven men aged between 21 and 34 as part of this ongoing investigation and they remain before the courts.
Anyone with information about organised crime and drug supply is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
Charge four in ice import bust
HOMES at Auburn, Lidcombe and Berala were raided by police and four men charged as part of ongoing investigations into the largest detection of methamphetamine at the Australian border.