Drugs concealed in sea-cargo coffee shipment to Melbourne

THE Australian Federal Police this week launched a major investigation after more than $182 million worth of illicit drugs – concealed in a shipment of coffee beans – was seized in Melbourne.

In Melbourne, Australian Border Force officers on 18 September x-rayed a full container load of coffee beans sent via sea cargo from Panama.

The x-rays indicated anomalies and further examination identified substances that presumptively tested positive to methamphetamine and cocaine.

Police estimate the illicit drugs have a combined estimated street value of more than $182 million.

ABF Acting Commander Uriah Turner, Maritime and Enforcement South, said ABF officers are vigilant to the methods organised crime groups use to try to illegally import drugs into the country.

“Our technical expertise and sophisticated technology means that we will find the drugs, regardless of the method of concealment these criminals use,” A/g Commander Turner said.

“The ABF is committed to protecting the community from harmful drugs and working closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the tide of methamphetamine and cocaine coming into Australia.”

AFP Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur said the seizure demonstrated how drug smugglers used any product and method to import drugs into Australia.

“This significant seizure, concealed inside a shipment of coffee beans, demonstrates we are one step ahead of these criminal networks,” Det. Supt. McArthur said.

“The AFP, together with our law enforcement partners, including our offshore partner agencies working in collaboration with the AFP’s International Command Network, are committed to protecting Australians from harmful, illicit drug imports and unleashing maximum damage to the criminal environment.”

“The AFP’s investigations into the criminal syndicate involved, including those responsible both on and offshore, remains ongoing. We are urging anyone with information to please come forward,” he said.

Police are urging anyone with information that may help investigators to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.