The AFP has charged an Ashcroft man over his alleged role in a plot to import an estimated $29 million worth of methamphetamine into Australia from the United States.
The man, 28, is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (4 September, 2024) charged with the attempted possession of the illicit drug.
An AFP investigation into the importation commenced in October 2023 after US Homeland Security Investigations (US HSI) alerted the AFP to a consignment destined for Australia, purporting to be manufacturing and repair equipment, allegedly containing 32kg of methamphetamine.
In consultation with the AFP, US HSI worked with US Customs and Border Protection Service to remove the illicit drugs. The consignment was then sent to Australia under surveillance.
The consignment arrived at the Port of Melbourne in December 2023, before travelling to the Port of Brisbane on board a container ship. From Brisbane, the shipment was transported to a Western Sydney home under police surveillance.
The Ashcroft man was allegedly observed receiving the shipment and inspecting its contents before departing the property.
On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, AFP officers executed a search warrant at a property in Ashcroft, NSW where investigators seized three mobile phones alongside a small bag containing a white unidentified substance.
The man was arrested and charged with:
- One count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.5(1) by virtue of subsection 11.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
- One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.1(1) by virtue of subsection 11.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said 32kg of methamphetamine could have resulted in three million individual street deals and had an estimated street value of more than $29 million.
"Our strong relationships and shared intelligence with international law enforcement partners is crucial to dismantling the sinister operations of these drug trafficking syndicates," Det-Supt Fogarty said.
"Criminal syndicates go to great lengths to conceal their activities, but that will never deter law enforcement. We will find those responsible and bring them before the courts.
"Methamphetamine is the second-most consumed illicit drug in Australia and its impact can be felt across the community, from our homes to our hospitals.
"Across Australia, 27 people on average were admitted to hospital every day in 2021-22 for methamphetamine-related issues."**
US HSI Regional Attaché Ernest Verina commended the vital work of the dedicated agents, detectives, and prosecutors in their relentless efforts to keep illegal drugs off the streets.
"The dynamic and successful partnership between the AFP and US HSI will continue to dismantle international criminal organisations that attempt to smuggle dangerous narcotics across our nation's borders," he said.
**Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report