News Police

Drug import worth $70m

A MAN from Auburn has been charged with importing 233kg of methamphetamine worth an estimated $70 million on the street.

The 35-year-old was arrested at his Auburn home last Thursday after a two month investigation, with Australian Border Force (ABF) officers seizing a large amount of evidence, including various documentation and email account details, which they will allege links the man to the shipment.
The investigation began in March 2022 when an ABF examination of a container filled with 10 boxes described as structural supports and shipped from China, which revealed a white powdered substance secreted inside the consignment. Presumptive testing indicated the presence of methamphetamine, leading AFP forensic officers to undertake a more detailed examination of the shipment.
The man was charged with import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine.
Detective Superintendent Matthew Ciantar says operations like this send a very strong message that Australia is not an easy target for criminals seeking to import drugs.
“Despite efforts by criminal networks to evade detection, authorities are continuing to identify and disrupt the syndicates who attempt to break Australian law,” Supt Ciantar said.
“The AFP and our partners will continue to stop these harmful drugs from reaching the streets and affecting the communities in which we all live and work.”
ABF Commander Trade and Travel East, Sue Drennan, said anyone considering importing drugs into Australia should consider this a warning.