AFP investigations in Queensland stopped almost two tonnes of illicit drugs from hitting the streets in 2023, including the largest shipment of heroin ever detected in the state.
The AFP’s Northern Command covers the entire state of Queensland, and 2023 saw officers continue to work with law enforcement partners to strike against organised crime, with 1.8 tonnes of drugs prevented from reaching our streets.
AFP officers charged a Sydney man in April for his alleged involvement in importing 336kg of heroin into Australia in a shipment sent from Malaysia. The heroin had an estimated street value of $268.8 million and was the second largest shipment of heroin ever detected in Australia; also the largest ever detected in Queensland.
The heroin was concealed inside two concrete blocks marked as solar panel accessories in a sea freight container addressed to an industrial lot in Brendale, north of Brisbane.
The Sydney man was charged with importing a commercial quantity of heroin, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of heroin, contrary to section 307.5(1) and subsection 11.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said officers from Northern Command and partners were instrumental in protecting Queenslanders from the threat of organised crime in 2023.
“These operations highlight the AFP’s commitment to working with our partners to dismantle serious organised crime in Queensland,” Assistant Commissioner Gough said.
“Almost two tonnes of drugs would have done considerable damage to the Australian community at a time when the cost of living is already putting pressure on families and services.”
In July, AFP investigators charged two ACT men for their alleged involvement in the importation of 247kg of cocaine on board a yacht in Townsville.
The men were arrested at an apartment in Griffith in the ACT where officers also located $290,000 cash in a vacuum sealed bag. Police allege the bag was thrown from the apartment balcony when the AFP knocked on the front door and announced they had a search warrant.
It is alleged the cash is the proceeds of crime.
Both men were charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth) and dealing in the proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $100,000 or more, contrary to section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offence is life imprisonment.
Other seizures included 2kg of meth imported from Canada to Australia and a Colombian national charged for his alleged role in attempting to import 28kg of cocaine into Australia from South America.
“If you are involved in importing drugs as part of organised crime activity in Queensland, we will come after you, your associates and partners, your money and your ill-gotten trappings of wealth,” Assistant Commissioner Gough said
“The AFP has the resources and partnerships in Australia and abroad to take the fight to transnational serious organised crime groups looking to exploit our communities.”
