The AFP has charged a Northern Territory man for allegedly importing metonitazene, a potent opioid, through the mail from the United Kingdom to the Northern Territory.
The man, 39, appeared in Darwin Local Court yesterday (30 October, 2023) for allegedly importing a border controlled drug and was released on bail to reappear in court today (31 October, 2023).
The AFP launched an investigation in October 2023 after receiving a referral from the Commonwealth Agencies Operation Centre (CAOC) about a postal package destined for the Northern Territory that allegedly contained a synthetic opioid, metonitazene.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in New South Wales examined an international mail consignment and allegedly found 5 grams of the illicit drug concealed in a vacuum sealed package.
The AFP executed a search warrant on 27 October, 2023 at the man's Gray home where they located and seized a number of opioids, illicit substances and electronic devices.
The man was subsequently arrested and charged with importing a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.3(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the AFP worked closely with national and international partners to prevent harmful illicit drugs from reaching our community.
"The AFP, together with state, Commonwealth and international partners, is closely monitoring the threat of synthetic opioids to Australian communities," Supt Davis said.
"While the air mail import may seem relatively small, these dangerous substances have devastating impacts that can be life-threatening even in the smallest amounts."
ABF Acting Commander Ian Kelly said there had been an increase in detections of metonitazene coming into Australia through the international mail system.
"ABF officers have recorded 22 detections of this highly dangerous substance in October, compared to just two detections in the nine months previous to that," A/g Commander Kelly said.
"This is concerning with schoolies celebrations about to begin in states across the country if the intention was to import this drug in an attempt to sell to young people."
A/g Commander Kelly said the pills were being sent in relatively small amounts, concealed in a number of items, including bandages and medical adhesives as well as consignments of children's toys.
Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of Health Products Regulation and head of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) at the Department of Health and Aged Care, said the Department is extremely concerned with reports of synthetic opioids attempting to be smuggled into Australia.
"There are no approved medical uses for nitazene class of synthetic opioid in Australia," Professor Lawler said.
"These compounds have been estimated in some instances to be up to hundreds of times more potent than morphine.
"The significant potency of the substances and associated risk of respiratory depression and death means that they are considered unsuitable for use in a therapeutic context."
