Two foreign nationals and a dual Australian citizen have appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday (21 November 2024), charged with importing more than 25kg of border controlled drugs.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers commenced an investigation in late 2023 after officers intercepted five consignments within two months, containing spices and groceries, originating from India.
?The packages contained a brown powdered substance which, after forensic analysis, was found to be an assortment of opioids including morphine, thebaine, and codeine totalling 25.7kg.
A sixth consignment was later detected and found to contain an additional 282g of opium hidden within clothing and the soles of shoes.
In November 2023, officers conducted warrants at multiple premises in Adelaide's western suburbs and arrested two men on skilled worker visas. Subsequent further investigations led to a third arrest.
ABF acting Superintendent Steve Garden said the ABF is committed to prosecuting criminals who bring harm to our communities in the pursuit of profits.
"Not only are opioids dangerous when used recreationally, they can also be used in the manufacture of other illicit drugs including heroin," Acting Superintendent Garden said.
"We are also aware of opioids being used as a stimulant by persons whose occupations involve long hours of driving, creating severe road safety concerns for all road users.
"Criminals attempt to make a profit in any way possible, they do not care about the Australian lives they are risking."
The defendants have been charged with six counts of importing border controlled drugs, contrary to s 307.3(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). Two of the individuals will next appear at Adelaide District Court on 14 February 2025 and the third individual will next appear at Adelaide Magistrates Court on 23 January 2024.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.