45 kilograms of methamphetamine destined for Australia has been seized thanks to the AFP’s International Network.
The illicit drugs were seized by officers from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise (HKCE) on 16 April, after the AFP shared intelligence to local authorities in Hong Kong via its International Liaison Officer Network.
AFP Hong Kong received information from AFP Mexico regarding a suspicious shipment that was in transit to a Melbourne address.
AFP officers in Hong Kong notified HKCE who examined the air cargo and located the drugs concealed within a thermoforming machine.
The AFP has officers stationed in 33 countries across the world as part of its International Command, working alongside law enforcement agencies on the ground and sharing intelligence to protect Australians at home.
AFP Detective Superintendent Patrick Gordon said the seizure was a clear example of the strength in partnerships of the AFP and international law enforcement agencies.
“This seizure demonstrates the importance of the AFP’s international partnerships in keeping Australians safe at home,” Det. Supt. Gordon said.
“This methamphetamine had the potential to cause significant harm to the Australian community. Unfortunately, these international criminal syndicates care only about lining their pockets, not the irreversible harm they cause.”
The AFP works closely with Mexican authorities and other Central American law enforcement agencies to identify drug manufacturing and transportation sources in the region. Inquiries into criminal syndicate responsible for the consignment remain ongoing.
“Hong Kong is a popular transit point for shipments coming from Central America as we have seen in the past, including a record 1.8 tonne liquid meth seizure also destined for Australia,” Det. Supt. Gordon said.
“Unfortunately drug cartels continue to target Australia in response to the high demand for illicit drugs but the AFP and its international network of more than 200 personnel in 33 countries stand ready to counter this harmful trade.”
