A 62-year-old West Australian man has been charged after authorities intercepted approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a package from the United States.
Australian Border Force officers in Perth allegedly found the illicit drugs on 4 August 2021 when they examined a package described as documents, which were addressed to a Mirrabooka residence.
The box contained multiple A4 envelopes and 21 of those allegedly had a package containing a white substance hidden between sheets of paper. Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
The consignment was referred to Australian Federal Police, who launched an investigation into those involved in the importation of the illicit drugs.
Police removed the methamphetamine before delivering the package to the Mirrabooka property yesterday morning (Tuesday, 10 August).
A 62-year-old resident allegedly opened the package and when AFP and ABF investigators executed a warrant at the home yesterday afternoon, they allegedly found contents from the illicit consignment inside a black bag in the hallway.
Police say the package was not addressed to the residents and allege a fictitious name was used to try to avoid the attention of law enforcement.
The 62-year-old man was arrested and is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, 11 August) charged with:
- Importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- Attempting to possess a commercial quantity of BCD, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
These offences carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment.
Investigations are ongoing into the involvement of anyone else in the importation and planned distribution.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Tim Knight said the AFP is not resting on its laurels after Operation Ironside and is relentlessly targeting anyone trying to profit at the expense of our communities.
He said this amount of methamphetamine has an estimated street value in WA of approximately $5 million.
“Organised crime networks see Australia as a lucrative market because of the high demand for drugs and the high prices users will pay, with West Australians charged, and willing to pay, some of the highest prices,” Detective Acting Inspector Knight said.
“The money wasted on illicit drugs lines the pockets of criminals and helps to fuel a violent and exploitative international industry.
“The AFP is working closely with our partners to protect our communities by preventing illegal substances from hitting the streets and prosecuting those involved in the dirty trade. We are asking the community to help us by reporting suspicious behaviour to police.”
ABF Acting Commander Operations West Shaun Senior said ABF officers are committed to stopping dangerous drugs at the border.
“Our highly skilled officers use a variety of techniques including advanced technology to detect illicit drugs, regardless of how well they are concealed,” Acting Commander Senior said.
“Detections like this highlight a strong demand for methamphetamine in Australia, which is why the ABF works closely with its law enforcement partners to find those responsible for trying to smuggle drugs into Australia.”
