Photo: afp.gov.au

The Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF), NSW Crime Commission and Department of Home Affairs began investigations following the importation of a shipment of noodles and Asian spices from California, USA.

The consignment arrived into Sydney via air freight in late July and was subject to examination by ABF officers. ABF officers located a substance which returned a positive result for methamphetamine concealed within the shipment.

The methamphetamine will undergo further forensic testing to determine the exact weight, purity and potential street value, but it is estimated the total weight of this substance could be up to 300 kilograms. One kilogram of methamphetamine has an estimated street value of approximately $100,000.

On Thursday, 9 August 2018, members of the AFP and NSWPF undertook a controlled delivery of the consignment to identify the intended recipients of the methamphetamine. The consignment was delivered to an address in the Sydney suburb of Canley Vale

As a result of investigative activities yesterday afternoon, a 53-year-old man was arrested at his Bonnyrigg home while meeting with a 42-year-old Canley Vale man. Search warrants were executed at the Bonnyrigg house and two premises in Canley Vale.

Both men were charged with:

• Import a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to Section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
• Attempt to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to Section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

Both men are scheduled to face Sydney Central Local Court today, Friday 10 August 2018. The maximum penalty for both offences is life imprisonment.

AFP Organised Crime Manager, acting Commander Peter Bodel, said making these arrests, so soon after the importation, demonstrates the agility and responsiveness of the joint investigations team in halting supply into Australia.

“This drug wreaks havoc on communities and impacts all across Australia,” a/Commander Bodel said.

“Stopping this importation has not only potentially saved lives, it has damaged a syndicate who will not receive the profit from their illicit drug trade”.

ABF Investigations Commander Graeme Grosse said seizures like this show the ABF’s absolute commitment to keeping illicit substances from infiltrating Australian borders.

 “Through the ABF’s sophisticated detection capabilities and by working with our Home Affairs and state police colleagues we have stopped these drugs reaching the community and doing harm to vulnerable Australians,” Commander Grosse said.

“Today’s result should serve as a warning to anyone attempting to bring these illegal, harmful substances into Australia. This will not be tolerated by the ABF and our partners.”

Further investigations will continue with Australia and overseas partner agencies into the syndicate responsible for this importation.