This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Victoria Police
A 27-year-old Malaysian national has been remanded in custody overnight, charged over the alleged importation of six kilograms of methamphetamine into Melbourne.
Australian Federal Police (AFP), together with Victoria Police and Australian Border Force under joint agency Taskforce ICARUS, commenced their investigations after ABF officers identified a suspicious consignment sent from Vancouver, Canada to Melbourne, Australia on 27 September 2020.
Following an x-ray of the goods, ABF officers identified several anomalies, which after examination were found to contain approximately six kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in water filter cartridges.
Detectives arrested a man who took possession of the consignment at Glen Huntly on Monday (26 October, 2020).
A search was later conducted at the man’s Melbourne home, with a number of items seized.
The man was charged with serious drug offences including importing commercial quantities of border controlled drugs and attempting to possess commercial quantities of border controlled drugs.
The man faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court overnight where bail was refused. He is set to reappear again on 21 January, 2021.
AFP Commander Investigations Southern Command Todd Hunter said organised criminals continue to attempt to import harmful drugs into the Australian Community, despite COVID-19.
“These people prey on our community for personal gain, causing drug-related crime along with the harmful health and social costs that inevitably follow,” Commander Hunter said.
“This operation is just another example of the excellent collaboration between Commonwealth and state law enforcement agencies to target and combat organised crime. We are keeping a watch on every corner and will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute those involved in these types of illicit activities and prevent harm being inflicted on the Australian Community.”
Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Darlow said this result is fantastic for both police and the Victorian community.
“We see daily the harm that these imported drugs bring – not just the physical and health impacts on users, but the negative flow on effects to the broader community through other crimes,” he said.
“This result shows highlights the work across all law enforcement agencies to hold these people accountable for their criminal actions and that police will actively work to disrupt the activities of those willing to bring drugs into Victoria.”
Australian Border Force Port Operations Commander, Craig Palmer said ABF officers are always on the lookout for illicit substances at our border which can cause great harm to the Australian community.
“What may seem like a legitimate package to an un-trained eye is no match for our highly trained ABF officers,” Commander Palmer said
“This is another great example of working closely with our law enforcement partners to stop criminal syndicates from distributing these dangerous drugs on our streets.”
