Two arrested after 20.6kg crystal meth imported in household appliances

On Friday 25 November, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Brisbane intercepted an air freight consignment that had arrived via Hong Kong.

ABF officers examined the consignment and discovered the presence of crystal methamphetamine, concealed within household electrical appliances.

The consignment was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who after further examination, located a total of 20.6kg of crystal methamphetamine.

This seizure has an estimated street value of $20.6 million.

Yesterday (Tuesday 29 November), the AFP conducted a controlled delivery of the consignment to an address in Sunnybank, Brisbane.

A 27-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were subsequently arrested by police.

AFP Commander Paul Osborne, Manager Crime Operations, said that the success of this operation should deliver a strong message to the criminal syndicates who continue to look to exploit Australian communities. 

“The AFP is committed to continuing to work closely with its domestic and international law enforcement partners to disrupt drug importation syndicates operating within Australia and overseas,” Commander Osborne said.

ABF Regional Commander Queensland, Terry Price, said the seizure is significant and shows that criminal syndicates continue to target Australia and Queensland as a market for this dangerous drug.

“As this most recent seizure again shows, we are aware of their methods and continue to thwart their efforts to profit from causing harm and despair to Australian families,” Regional Commander Price said.

The 27-year-old man has been charged with:

• Importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth.)

The 31-year-old man has been charged with:

• Attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 by virtue 11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth.)

The men will appear before the Brisbane Arrest Court today (Wednesday 30 November).