A Treeby man has been arrested and charged by Australian Border Force (ABF) after allegedly attempting to smuggle more than four kilos of pseudoephedrine into Australia hidden in wedding photo frames.
A total of 4.89 kg of pseudoephedrine was intercepted by ABF officers in Victoria in a package marked 'wedding photos' from India with a residential delivery address in Western Australia.
ABF investigators in Perth then substituted the drug with an inert, harmless substance and delivered the wedding photos to the intended recipient.
The man was charged by ABF Investigations WA with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled precursor following the execution of a Customs Act search warrant at his Treeby residence. Electronic devices and a quantity of cash were also seized.
ABF Assistant Commissioner West Emma Johnson said pseudoephedrine was the main precursor drug to manufacture methamphetamine and the man's arrest should serve as a warning.
"ABF officers take their role of stopping the illegal importation of dangerous precursor drugs very seriously, as methamphetamine is causing significant harm in our community," Assistant Commissioner Johnson said.
The investigation was part of a Serious and Organised Crime Coordination Committee (SOCCC) initiative to reduce the impact of High Risk and Emerging Drugs (HRED) and precursors in Australia.
The man appeared in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia today where he was granted bail to appear at a later date. The maximum penalty for importing a border controlled precursor is 25 years imprisonment.
Members of the community with information about the importation of illicit drugs and precursors can contact Border Watch . By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border. Information can be provided anonymously.
