Australian Customs and Border Protection Services (ACBPS) and Australia Federal Police (AFP) have again joined hands in protecting our borders.
Their joint operation commenced last month when ACBPS officers stationed at the Container Examination Facility (CEF) seized a shipment of LED down lights that arrived into Australia from China.
Upon further inspection, they discovered that each LED light housed one small package of methamphetamine. In total, approx 40kgs of the drug was located. The total street value for the seizure is approx AUD32 million.
Members of the AFP arranged a control delivery of the shipment to an address in Riverwood. Consequently a 32 year old Taiwanese man was arrested in Haymarket.
The man has been charged with the following:
Attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.5(1) by the virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth.)
This crime carries a possible penalty of life imprisonment.
ACBPS Regional Commander NSW, Tim Fitzgerald said this seizure was the result of the commitment and skill of Customs and Border Protection officers.
“This was an elaborate attempt to breach our border and deceive Australian authorities,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
“This seizure is another great example of the work that our officers and our law enforcement partners do every day to maintain the integrity of our borders and to protect our community.”
Further arrests have not been ruled out.
Image and source credits: www.customs.gov.au
