A Chinese national has received a sentencing of imprisonment by the County Court of Victoria after a failed plot to import 10kg of pseudoephedrine into Australia in 2023.
The man, 32, unlawfully in Australia, was sentenced on Wednesday (3 September, 2025) to five years and nine months imprisonment with a non-parole period of four years.
In November 2023, ABF officers began an investigation after intercepting and seizing a series of consignments containing bottles labelled as 'ascorbic acid' and filled with pseudoephedrine tablets at the Melbourne Gateway Facility.
On Wednesday 20 December 2023, ABF officers conducted a controlled delivery of one of the imported consignments where they observed the recipient collecting the package from a parcel locker at a Burwood service station. The man was subsequently arrested by ABF officers and remanded in custody.
Pseudoephedrine is a precursor commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine which is known for its high addiction rate and serious health risks.
On Wednesday, appearing at the County Court of Victoria, the accused pled guilty and was convicted of the following:
· Importing commercial quantities of border controlled precursors (s307.11 Criminal Code Act 1995 Cth).
ABF Superintendent Ben Michalke said Wednesday's court outcome serves as a strong deterrent for criminals attempting to profit at the community's expense.
"Our ABF officers remain committed to stopping the importation of illegal substances," Superintendent Michalke said.
"We'll continue to identify and arrest criminals who attempt to undermine our border controls and exploit our community with such little regard."
