POLICE and border authorities have executed a record-breaking drug bust after a tonne of methylamphetamine was found sealed inside shipping containers arriving at Port Botany.
The latest seizure of the drug has been linked to the 748 kilograms of methylamphetamine smuggled in a sea freight consignment, reported last week.
In total, more than 1800 kilograms of “ice” has been detected, making it the largest seizure of the drug in Australia’s history. The haul had an estimated street value of more than $1.6 billion.
The most recent shipment was found concealed within marble stone, the same method used to conceal the first load, spread across multiple containers.
The containers arrived at Port Botany last week. The earlier consignment arrived last month, at which point three men aged 24, 26 and 34 were arrested.
Investigations were carried out under Strike Force Chellington, set up by detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad.
State Crime Command acting director of operations, Detective Chief Superintendent John Watson, said police are continuing to investigate activities of the syndicate, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
“We will allege this syndicate was extremely well connected in several corners of the globe,” Det Ch Supt Watson said.
“The fact that we have seized a further tonne – potentially ten million street deals – of this insidious drug just shows how little regard these types of groups have for the wellbeing of the community.
“Combined with the seizure from earlier this month, NSW Police and Australian Border Force officers have stopped more than 1.8 tonnes of ice at the border – this is now the largest ice bust in Australian history.
“It’s once again proof that through the collaboration of all our partner law enforcement agencies, we will continue to stop this dangerous drug from hitting our streets.”
ABF Assistant Commissioner East, Erin Dale, said the detections exemplify the capability and diligence of ABF officers in protecting the Australian community.
“Our officers are highly trained and continue to demonstrate their skills when it comes to detecting the importation of illicit drugs, no matter what method of concealment the organised crime groups use,” Assistant Commissioner Dale said.
“The audacity of these individuals to think they could import such vast quantities of harmful drugs into Australia is astounding.
“Let’s be clear: this is the largest seizure of methylamphetamine at the Australian border and therefore a massive blow to organised criminals.”
