More charges laid in relation to drug importation to Australia | WPN World People News

Additional charges have been laid in relation to a joint investigation into the attempted importation of two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.

Three men appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 20 May – two on drug possession charges and one on firearms offences.

On 19 May, officers attached to Joint Taskforce Icarus executed a number of search warrants in Southbank, Melbourne.

A 36-year-old Taiwanese man and a 20-year-old Australian man were charged with allegedly attempting to possess a commercial quantity of crystal methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5 and 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

A 26-year-old Chinese man was charged with allegedly possessing an unregistered handgun, contrary to section 7B (1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (VIC), and failing to store ammunition securely, contrary to section 551 EM Firearms Act 1996 (VIC).

The maximum penalty for those convicted of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drug is life imprisonment.

Earlier this month, a 23-year-old Taiwanese man and a 22-year-old Chinese man faced court on drug importation charges relating to this investigation.

Joint Taskforce Icarus is comprised of personnel drawn from the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Victoria Police. The taskforce targets those who seek to utilise the international mail stream and air cargo systems for criminal activity.

Source: Australian Federal Police