12-10-2023 (MELBOURNE) Law enforcement authorities in Melbourne have arrested and charged four individuals in connection with the seizure of approximately 600 kilograms of methamphetamine. The illicit drugs were ingeniously hidden inside a shipment of toilet paper rolls, believed to be part of a transnational serious organized crime syndicate operating in the city.
The arrest and subsequent charges came as a result of a collaborative effort between the Victorian Joint Organized Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), comprising members from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), and Department of Home Affairs. These agencies worked together in a major law enforcement operation known as Operation Improcco, aimed at disrupting the activities of criminal syndicates involved in the importation of border-controlled drugs.
The investigation was initiated after ABF officers noticed anomalies during an x-ray screening of a consignment that arrived in Melbourne via sea cargo from Malaysia on October 4, 2023. The matter was promptly reported to the AFP, leading to a meticulous and extensive examination of the shipment. With the assistance of forensic officers, the JOCTF and AFP were able to uncover and seize 622 packages resembling green and gold tea, each weighing 1 kilogram. These packages were found to contain a white crystalline substance, later identified as methamphetamine. Notably, the drugs were concealed within a pallet of toilet paper, adding to the intricate nature of the smuggling operation.
The sheer quantity of methamphetamine seized in this operation is staggering, with an estimated street value of $559.8 million. To put it in perspective, this haul could have potentially fueled more than 6.2 million individual street deals. The forensic testing of the confiscated substance confirmed its composition as methamphetamine, a highly addictive illicit drug that wreaks havoc on individuals and communities.
Following the successful identification and seizure of the drugs, the JOCTF undertook a series of arrests across Melbourne. Two 33-year-old Chinese nationals, a 34-year-old Malaysian national, and a 32-year-old Hong Kong national were apprehended in connection with the alleged importation and distribution of the methamphetamine. The arrests occurred at various locations, including Melbourne Airport, where one of the Chinese nationals and the Hong Kong national were intercepted while attempting to board separate flights out of Australia. The Malaysian national was apprehended at a property in Sunshine North, while the other Chinese national was arrested in Box Hill.
In conjunction with the arrests, search warrants were executed at a warehouse in Sunshine North, a storage facility in South Melbourne, and several residential properties in Box Hill, Blackburn, and Glen Waverley. These operations yielded valuable evidence related to the drug imports, as well as the seizure of electronic devices such as mobile phones.
The four individuals have been charged with one count each of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, specifically 622 kilograms of methamphetamine, in contravention of sections 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.
The successful outcome of this operation serves as a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking and organized crime. The AFP, in collaboration with its Joint Organized Crime Taskforce partners, remains resolute in its commitment to track, identify, and disrupt criminal operations that pose a threat to the Australian community. The seizure of such a substantial quantity of methamphetamine, along with the arrest of the alleged syndicate members, underscores the dedication of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation.
Commander Raegan Stewart of the AFP emphasized the devastating impact of methamphetamine on individuals and communities, citing alarming statistics of hospital admissions related to methamphetamine use. He commended the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved and highlighted the importance of disrupting the illicit drug supply chain to prevent further harm.
Detective Acting Superintendent Dan Ryan of Victoria Police’s Organized Crime Division echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the destructive consequences of methamphetamine use and its far-reaching implications in various criminal activities. He reaffirmed Victoria Police’s commitment to combatting the importation of illicit drugs and pledged to pursue all possible leads resulting from this investigation.
Commander Clint Sims of the Australian Border Force praised the dedicated efforts of ABF officers in preventing narcotics from entering the country and commended the successful collaboration with law enforcement partners. He emphasized the relentless commitment to thwarting the activities of criminal syndicates involved in drug trafficking.
