Multi agency investigation involving Australian Federal Police (AFP) Western Australia Police (WAPOL), the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) ended up in the arrest of six people and seizure of 90 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Investigation started with information on a South-East Asian-based syndicate sending members to Australia for importation and trafficking of crystal methamphetamine. Following this was seizure of 117kgs of crystal methamphetamine made in an inner-city Melbourne apartment. Four Taiwanese nationals were arrested and charged with offences relating to the possession of crystal methamphetamine.
In continuation three search warrants were executed in the suburbs of Queens Park and Cloverdale in Western Australia. As a result approximately 90 kilograms of methamphetamine was seized. Along with this 85 kilograms of a substance believed to be methamphetamine were located in an apartment in Queens Park. For trafficking drugs three male Taiwanese nationals aged 25, 24, 20-year-old were arrested.
In addition five kilograms of methamphetamine was seized during in Cloverdale. For possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply three male Taiwanese nationals aged 25, two aged 27 were each charged. The charges put together can attract a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Involvement of any Sydney customs broker in this importation is not immediately available.
According to Commander Rippon, this multi-agency operation has disrupted a serious and organised crime syndicate operating within Australia. This is also a testament to our combined determination to target and disrupt syndicates involved in the drug trade in Australia.
In addition, this seizure will reduce social damage to the community on account of the large amount of the addictive drug reaching the people Western Australia. According to reliable sources 90 kilogram of methamphetamine could have resulted in 900,000 street deals of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $63 million.
