Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators have charged a 30-year-old Strathfield man with importing 11kg of ephedrine concealed in plastic plates.
On 9 June 2016, ABF officers targeted a parcel from China addressed to a residence in Strathfield, NSW.
The officers examined the parcels of plastic plates which were found to have concealments of powder within each plate. Initial testing of the substance was positive for ephedrine.
Following further investigation and warrant activity, the man was charged with intentionally importing prohibited tier 1 goods, contrary to Section 233BAA(4) of the Customs Act 1901, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and or a fine not exceeding $180,000 or both.
Acting ABF Commander Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Craig Palmer, said that stopping the importation of ephedrine into Australia was an important step in reducing the local manufacture of methamphetamine.
“The ABF seizes kilograms of precursor drugs like these in the mail, in cargo, and at airports every week,” A/g Commander Palmer said.
“By stopping these substances at the border, we’re disrupting the local manufacture of methamphetamine and depriving criminal syndicates of a product to sell.”
Ephedrine is used as a precursor agent in the manufacture of illegal amphetamine substances, such as ice.
The man is scheduled to appear before Parramatta Local Court on the 11/06/2016.
