German National Scheduled to Appear in Sydney Central Local Court Charged with Attempting to Possess 28Kg of Methamphetamine
A 22-year-old German national is scheduled to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today charged with attempting to possess approximately 28 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The man was arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Clovelly yesterday (February 6) during a controlled delivery of the methamphetamine where officers also seized $2550 cash and drug paraphernalia.
The operation commenced following Australian Customs and Border Protection officers intercepting an air freight consignment from Iran on January 29 2013.
During an examination of the consignment, Customs and Border Protection officers located two wooden crates containing eight one liter buckets of paint wrapped in plastic.
Initial testing of the substance indicated the presence of methamphetamine and the matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation.
It will be alleged in court that the methamphetamine was concealed in both a liquid and paste mixture contained within the paint buckets with an estimated weight of approximately 28 kilograms.
The man has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug contrary to section 307.5 by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or a $1,275,000 fine.
AFP Manager Crime Operations Response Jennifer Hurst said Australian authorities can, and will, continue to combat the movement of illicit drugs into Australia.
“Community safety is a priority for the AFP and today’s operation has successfully prevented a significant quantity of drugs entering our streets.
“The AFP will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to stamp out this heinous crime,” Commander Hurst said.
Customs and Border Protection National Manager Cargo Operations Jagtej Singh said the detection was a result of the diligence and skills of the officers involved as this was a very complex concealment.
“This detection highlights outstanding work done by Customs and Border Protection officers, which has prevented these dangerous drugs from entering our community,” Mr Singh said.
“The successful outcomes are a result of ongoing collaboration with our partner law enforcement agencies, which continues to achieve results.”
The AFP will undertake further forensic testing to ascertain the exact weight and purity of the substance.
Source: AFP Net News Publisher for Australian News
Category: Oceania
