Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Services (ACBPS) have joined hands once again in stopping the importation of methamphetamine into Australia.
The operation began on the 5 February when ACBPS officers selected a container that originated in China for x-raying at the Container Examination Facility (CEF). The consignment, 27 sea kayaks, was scanned with the inspection revealing some abnormalities (see picture above).
A physical examination of the cargo revealed that 19 out of the 27 kayaks contained a white crystallized substance. The initial testing of the powder returned a positive reading for methamphetamine.
The weight of the seizure was approximately 183kgs, with the street value being a whopping $180 million.
A controlled delivery of the cargo followed, with the AFP arresting three men and a woman after they attempted to allegedly access the hidden drugs.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of a 32 year old man.
All five people are scheduled to appear in court today.
Summary of charges:
• The 32-year-old Kensington man and a 28-year-old Taiwanese woman were each charged with one count of attempt to import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
• Three male Taiwanese nationals – aged 35, 30 and 21 – were each charged with one count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
Source and Image credit: Australian Customs and Border Protection
