Australian Authorities Find 120 Kilos Of Raw MDMA Worth U.S. $4.3 Million On A RORO Ship

Australian federal authorities are seeking public assistance in identifying the importers responsible for a massive narcotics smuggling enterprise.

In mid-February, Australian Border Force (ABF) officials discovered 120 kilograms of raw MDMA (Ecstasy) on a ro/ro vessel anchored in Fremantle Harbour, Western Australia.

The vessel, which arrived from Europe on February 18, was carrying 105 new Peugeot commercial vans, six of which had narcotics concealed in their sliding door panels.

The recovered drugs, stashed in cars bound for New South Wales, have an estimated street value of $6.6 million.

Acting Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Peter Hatch, emphasised the complexities and considerable planning required for such an operation.

He highlighted that illegal traffickers would most likely mix the MDMA with other chemicals before pressing it into pills, posing serious risks to consumers.

Australia is an attractive target for drug smugglers due to high demand and consumers’ willingness to pay high rates, particularly for substances like cocaine.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellness, five per cent of Australians have taken cocaine.

The request for public help comes after the recent arrest of an alleged mastermind of a domestic organized crime network attempting to import up to 20 tonnes of various illicit narcotics, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.

AFP Superintendent Adrian Telfer earlier stated that the purchase of these substances supports violent organized crime organizations both domestically and overseas.

Acting Commander Hatch praised the ABF’s interception operations and emphasized continuous engagement with international partners to locate the transnational syndicate involved.

ABF Acting Commander James Payne also applauded the professionalism and effort of ABF officers in foiling this ambitious smuggling operation.

Authorities urged anyone with information about this importation operation to contact police as efforts to prevent illicit substances from entering Australian communities continue.

Reference: Mirage Cnews

Australian Authorities Find 120 Kilos Of Raw MDMA Worth U.S. $4.3 Million On A RORO Ship appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News