Twelve kilograms of methamphetamine was recovered hidden inside machinery from China by Australian Federal Police (AFP). Two Taiwanese men have been arrested in this connection for the alleged imports.
A consignment described as ‘Torque Testers’ arrived in Sydney from China as sea cargo in June 2014. On information received about the suspicious nature of the consignment, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) ordered further investigation. Initially the consignment was subject to an inconclusive x-ray. Subsequently the ACBPS officers physically examined the consignment which consisted of five wooden crates, each containing a black metal ‘Torque Tester’.
On detailed examination and routine chemical analysis, officers found that all of the five objects contained approximately 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. The total weight was estimated to be 12 kilograms. The case was subsequently handed over to Australian Federal Police. The AFP has not named any Sydney customs broker involved in this case.
A simulated delivery of the consignment was effected to a residence in the Sydney suburb of Eastwood by the AFP officers. The consignment was taken into possession by 31 and 24-year-old Taiwanese nationals. They were arrested by the AFP for taking possession of the consignment.
The accused two Taiwanese nationals were charged with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The 31-year-old man was also charged with import a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The accused can get a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for the charges levelled against them.
According to Jennifer Hurst, AFP Manager Crime Operations AFP is committed to stop harmful drugs from reaching Australian communities. Success of this investigation is a yet another example of Australian law enforcement agencies working together to stop drug menace in the country.
