Authorities have seized about 21 kilograms of methamphetamine, arrested two men and summonsed a third in Perth during an investigation into a Western Australia-based drug trafficking syndicate, Australian Federal Police say.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), with the assistance of the Australian Border Force (ABF), identified the methamphetamine concealed within an industrial oven sent from Canada to Perth in early January 2019.
On 15 January 2019, the AFP executed a number of search warrants in the Perth metropolitan area with the assistance of the Western Australia Police Force and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). These warrants targeted those believed to have facilitated the importation.
The methamphetamine seized has a street value of up to $19 million and the potential to produce 210,000 street deals.
The three men, from the suburbs of Koondoola, Girrawheen and Shelley, were charged with commercial drug importation offences. These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Two of the men will face the Perth Magistrate’s Court on 16 January 2019. The summonsed man will be required to attend court on 15 February 2019.
AFP State Manager for Western Australia, Commander Greg Harrigan, said police have spared many individuals and families the significant and often tragic consequences of this dangerous drug.
"We will allege that the syndicate responsible for this importation had been operating in Perth for an extended period and have links to organised crime groups in Vietnam and Canada. We are continuing to evaluate evidence gathered as part of this investigation and further operational activity cannot be ruled out," Commander Harrigan said.
"This investigation should serve as a warning to those that seek to import illicit drugs. You are up against multiple law enforcement bodies working closely together, not only here in Australia, but across the globe. You will be caught and, when you are, you will face the potential of life in prison."
Download photos and footage of the operation and seizure here.
