Trident Taskforce (a multi-agency group consisting of Victoria Police, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Federal Police and The Australian Crime Commission) detectives have arrested two men after approx 30 kilograms of methamphetamine were located in a classic American car that arrived into Melbourne from the States. The seizure is worth approx $20 million.
It is reported that the drugs were concealed by being moulded into the rear panel of the Chevrolet Impala that was imported into Australia in a shipping container.
A classic Chevrolet Impala as per Wikipedia
The drugs were replaced with fakes and the car was tracked upon collection.
The Australian Federal Police then carried out raids at several properties with two men being arrested.
Besim Beqiri, 41, and Jacinto Rodriguez Conejo, a Spanish national, 47 were arrested. Police believe that both men are part of an International Drug Cartel and have been described as a “fairly professional organisation”.
They have both appeared in court for an administration hearing and have remained in custody. The matter will return to the courts in January, but until then, Australian Customs and Border Protection Regional Commander, Don Smith, leaves us with these strong words,
“Our message to those involved in this deadly and illicit trade is simple. We are targetting you.”
Image & source credits: victoria police and customs.gov.au
