A Nigerian national has been sentenced to six years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years and six months, after attempting to import almost 9kg of heroin concealed inside paint roller brushes.
The man, 28, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to possess commercial quantities of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.5 by virtue of subsection 11.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The AFP began an investigation in February, 2024, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Melbourne detected anomalies in a consignment of 19 boxes of paint roller brushes sent from Vietnam.
Four boxes of the consignment registered anomalies, and ABF officers conducted further investigations revealing approximately 8.8kg of heroin concealed inside the paint brushes.
The total street value of the illicit drugs is estimated to be $4.4 million, equivalent to about 44,000 street level deals.
AFP removed the heroin before allowing the consignment to continue delivery to an address in St Albans, Victoria.
AFP officers subsequently executed a search warrant at the St Albans property, arresting a man, then aged 26.
Detective Superintendent Raymond Imbriano said the AFP and its state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners remained dedicated to targeting and disrupting the attempted import of illicit substances.
"Our message remains clear - we will work tirelessly to disrupt organised crime. We collaborate with our partner agencies not only in Australia, but around the world, to stop crimes just like this," Det-Supt Imbriano said.
"This investigation should serve as a warning to those attempting to import harmful, illicit drugs into our country - you will be identified, you will be stopped and you will face prosecution."
"The negative impact illicit drugs have on the Australian community cannot be overstated. This amount of heroin is estimated to be around 44,000 street deals - that's possibly 44,000 people who could have experienced severe consequences had it reached them."
ABF acting Superintendent Sean Quinn said the detection highlighted ABF's expertise in identifying sophisticated concealment methods.
"ABF officers are highly skilled in detecting and intercepting illicit goods, no matter how they are concealed," acting Superintendent Quinn said.
"The six-year sentence in this matter sends a clear message - bringing illicit drugs into Australia carries serious consequences."
