A joint investigation has been launched following the seizure of almost $100 million of ‘ice’ concealed in electric barbeque grills and water heaters.
On Tuesday 4 May 2021, officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted a consignment which arrived by sea cargo at Port Botany from Thailand.
The consignment of 62 large cardboard boxes, which was declared to contain food items and electric barbeque grills, was examined by ABF officers, who noted inconsistencies.
During a subsequent deconstruction, the consignment was found to contain about 316kg of a crystallised substance.
The substance was tested and returned a presumptive positive result for methylamphetamine (ice), which has an estimated potential street value of $94.5 million.
Inquiries were subsequently commenced by detectives from the NSW Police Force’s Organised Crime Squad, together with officers from ABF, Australian Federal Police and NSW Crime Commission.
Strike Force Kansa has been established and as joint investigations continue, police are urging anyone with information about the import to come forward.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
