TWO men were charged during a drug investigation which saw 10 kilograms of methylamphetamine, imported from Mexico, seized at a Melbourne storage facility.
The joint operation between the Australian Border Force and Victoria Police was assisted by the ABF Air Cargo Operations.
They seized the methylamphetamine, “sent via international freight”, along with six kilograms of MDMA, a Mercedes-Benz GLC and 11 luxury watches across the storage facility and two residential addresses (in Richmond, St Kilda and Malvern, respectively) on 17 July.
A 43-year-old St Kilda man was charged in relation to importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 October.
A 42-year-old man with no fixed place of address was charged with over attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 10 November.
Both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
A 44-year-old Malvern woman was arrested but released pending further enquiries.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dave Galea said police are determined to make the state a hostile place those engaged in the importation and manufacture of drugs.
“The illicit drug supply chain is littered with harm and had this amount of methylamphetamine made its way onto our streets, it would have spread through our suburbs, fuelling more violence, crime and drug addiction,” he said.
ABF urged anyone with information about illicit drug importations to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
The investigation is ongoing.
