Australia Seizes Drug Shipment Worth $70 Million At Port of Melbourne, 5 Arrested

Five men have been charged after a major drug smuggling operation was stopped by Australian authorities.

The men, two Chinese nationals and one Sydney resident were arrested in Sydney on January 15, 2025, after an investigation into an attempt to bring more than half a tonne of illegal drugs into the country.

The drugs, including 420kg of MDMA pills, 120kg of a suspected “pink cocaine” mixture, and 80kg of methamphetamine, were hidden inside a shipment that arrived at the Port of Melbourne in 2024.

The shipment, which was described as containing galvanised hooks, was inspected by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers who found the drugs.

The “pink cocaine,” a mix of MDMA and ketamine, was found in 120kg blocks. Authorities believe this cocktail, known as “Tusi” was meant for sale in Australia, where it could have been worth up to $140,000 per kilogram.

More tests are being done to confirm the exact number of the substance.

The total street value of the drugs was estimated at $70 million. The authorities swapped the drugs with harmless substances to continue the shipment’s journey.

The consignment was delivered to a location in Brooklyn, Victoria, and later moved to a storage facility in Auburn, a suburb of Sydney.

Three men, aged 39, 32, and 34 were charged for their involvement in trying to import the drugs. They face serious charges, including importing a commercial quantity of MDMA and methamphetamine. If convicted, they could face life in prison.

Two other men, aged 50 and 58 were also charged with possessing chemicals used to make methamphetamine. The older man is facing additional charges for tampering with electronic records during the investigation.

AFP Commander Raegan Stewart praised the police for their continuous effort to tackle drug trafficking. He added that organised crime groups are always looking for ways to profit from illegal drugs, which have a harmful impact on communities.

Meanwhile, ABF Acting Commander Fiona Strong highlighted how trained officers and advanced technology played a key role in identifying the drugs in the shipment.

“Our officers are skilled at detecting even the smallest traces of illicit drugs,” she said, adding that stopping criminals from bringing drugs into Australia is a top priority.

Reference: AFP

Source: Maritime Shipping News