Photo: afp.gov.au

The investigation began on 9 January 2018 after an ABF examination of an air cargo consignment identified the suspected drugs concealed within the baseplate of an asphalt compacting machine. The matter was then referred to the AFP for investigation.

AFP Forensics Crime Scenes investigators deconstructed the consignment and presumptive testing of the drugs indicated the presence of opium. The 12.4kg of opium resin has an approximate street value of $16 million.

Yesterday (Thursday 25 January 2018) the AFP conducted a controlled delivery to an address in the Melbourne suburb of St Albans.

The two men (aged 38 and 22) accepted the delivery and loaded the consignment into a vehicle then left the address and drove to a residence in Burnside Heights. The 38-year-old man then left the address, heading to work. The remaining man was arrested by police. The 38-year-old man was arrested by police later in the day.

AFP acting Commander Mark Colbran, Manager Crime Operations, said this is once again an excellent example of the AFP and the ABF working together.

“To those believing they can evade law enforcement and import drugs into Australia, think again. You will get caught and may face significant time in prison,” acting Commander Colbran said.

ABF acting Regional Commander Victoria, Craig Palmer, said that the ABF’s advanced detection methodologies and intelligence driven targeting systems when combined with excellent police work spells bad news for criminals.

“The odds are stacked against anyone trying to import illicit drugs into Australia,” he said.

“The message is simple; Australia’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies are aligned and resolute in their determination to combat the illicit drug trade. You’re going to get caught.”

Both men were conveyed to AFP Melbourne Office where they were charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely opium, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth) and attempt to possess a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely opium, contrary to section 307.6 of the Criminal Code (Cth) by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for the importing offence is 25-years imprisonment.

Both men are expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (26 January 2018).