A West Australian man who was allegedly paid to hide methamphetamine in an Esky full of meat and send it to associates on Christmas Island is scheduled to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today (6 June, 2025).
An investigation began when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Christmas Island Airport examined a large Esky full of meat products that arrived from Perth via air freight on 15 November, 2024.
Officers found a sealed plastic bag containing a crystallised substance concealed inside a bag of mince. Initial testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
The weight of the methamphetamine was about 28 grams, and the matter was reported to the AFP.
On 13 February, 2025, the AFP charged two Christmas Island men - aged 24 and 30 - with one count each of attempting to traffic a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 302.4 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
They remain before the courts on Christmas Island.
Following further inquiries, on 9 May, 2025, the AFP executed search warrants on the WA man, 50, at Perth Airport when he returned from regional WA, and later at his Cannington home. A mobile phone, clothing and other items were seized.
Police allege the Christmas Island locals paid the WA man to purchase and send them the drugs.
The man was charged with one count of traffic a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 302.4 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
AFP Inspector Dave Reis said the AFP and its partners remained committed to disrupting the trafficking of harmful illicit substances to and from Australia, including its external territories.
"Methamphetamine is a devastating drug that causes immeasurable harm to users and their families, especially in smaller communities," Insp Reis said.
"The criminals who push these substances are driven by greed and profit and have zero regard for the lives they ruin.
"Anyone who attempts to traffic illicit substances to or from Australia be warned; the AFP and its partners will seize your drugs, and you will be prosecuted."
ABF Superintendent Shaun Senior said ABF officers were dedicated to protecting the border at all air freight facilities and airports, both on the mainland or at Australia's external territories.
"Regardless of the size of the facility or how the packages are concealed, we remain highly vigilant to those who attempt to circumvent our border controls, and our officers are ready to swiftly intercept and seize any illicit substances," Supt Senior said.
