Biggest Drug Bust In Australian History At Port Botany, Drugs Worth $1.6 Billion Seized

Border and police authorities have executed a path-breaking drug bust following the discovery of a tonne of methylamphetamine sealed within shipping containers that arrived at Port Botany.

The latest drug seizure was linked to 748kgs of methylamphetamine smuggled into a sea freight consignment, informed last week.

Over 1800 kgs of “ice” was found, making it so far the biggest seizure of the drug in the history of Australia. This haul had a street value of over $1.6 billion.

The latest shipment was detected in marble stone, the same method used to conceal the first load, spanning several containers.

The containers reached Port Botany last week. The earlier consignment arrived last month. After this, three men aged 34, 26, and 24 were arrested.

Inspections were conducted under Strike Force Chellington, set up by the detectives associated with the Drug and Firearms Squad of the State Crime Command.

State Crime Command acting director of operations, Detective Chief Superintendent John Watson, said that the police are still investigating the syndicate’s activities, and chances of additional arrests haven’t yet been dismissed.

Watson mentioned that the syndicate was well connected to several corners worldwide.

The fact that a further tonne – estimated at 10 million street deals – of the insidious drug was seized reflects how little regard the groups have for the community’s wellbeing.

Combined with the seizure reported earlier in the month, NSW Police and Australian Border Force officers have halted over 1.8 tonnes of ice at the border – this is now the greatest ice bust in the history of Australia.

It is again proof that through the collaboration of partner law enforcement agencies, efforts will go on to stop such a dangerous drug from hitting the streets.

ABF’s Assistant Commissioner East, Erin Dale, mentioned that the discovery exemplifies the abilities and dedication of ABF officers in safeguarding the Australian community.

Assistant Commissioner Dale said that the officers are exceptionally trained and continue showcasing their expertise in detecting illicit drug import, irrespective of the method of concealment the organized crime groups use.

The audacity of the individuals to think they could import such sizeable quantities of illicit drugs into Australia is baffling.

This, as mentioned earlier, is the largest confiscation of methylamphetamine at Australia’s border and hence a massive blow to well-organized criminals.

References: DCN, 7 News, ABC News

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Source: Maritime Shipping News