Three-month operation nets 140 kilos of meth | WPN World People News

An operation conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) has resulted in the seizure of around 140 kilograms of methamphetamine and four people being arrested for drug importation offences.

The investigation, codenamed Operation Fuchsia, began in March when ABF officers examined a sea cargo consignment upon arrival in Sydney from Mexico. The consignment comprised two containers, which held 11 diesel generators and weighed around 15 tonnes in total. An examination of the consignment revealed anomalies within the generators, and the matter was referred to the AFP.

A forensic examination identified that each generator contained three concealments of methamphetamine. The total weight of the methamphetamine detected was 139.4 kilograms.

In May, the AFP conducted a controlled delivery of the consignment, which was stored in a warehouse in the suburb of Rossmore, NSW.

On June 3, a 60-year-old dual Nigerian/American citizen and a 45-year-old dual Nigerian/Mexican citizen were arrested after allegedly attempting to access the consignment. A short time later, a 48-year-old dual Nigerian/Australian citizen was arrested in St Marys, NSW.

Each of the men were charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to Section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), and one count of attempting to possess, contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

They are scheduled to appear in Parramatta Local Court on 4 June.

The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.

As part of the investigation, search warrants are being conducted in Melbourne this morning. A 35-year-old dual Nigerian/Australian citizen has been arrested, and it is anticipated he will be charged later 4 June.

AFP Commander Chris Sheehan, State Manager NSW, said these arrests highlighted the commitment of law enforcement agencies and border protection agencies in combating international drug smuggling.

“The size of this seizure is an indication that organised crime groups are still seeking to target Australian users and the high price those users are willing to pay for these drugs,” Commander Sheehan said.

“Our work is focused on detecting, disrupting and dismantling organised criminal networks, and bringing to account these groups that seek to bring harm our community. The success of this operation is a testament to the tenacity of the investigators who have worked on this operation for the past three months.”

ABF NSW Regional Commander, Tim Fitzgerald, said the successful operation highlighted the dedicated work of ABF officers at the border, who initially inspected and uncovered the consignment in the two shipping containers.

"Once again, we see how a successful border intercept by ABF can initiate a broader criminal investigation by law enforcement. By working together, we are able to effectively crack down on those who attempt to criminally import what was, in this case, a significant amount of harmful narcotics,” Regional Commander Fitzgerald said.

Source: Australian Federal Police