Two Mexican nationals have been charged over their alleged roles in an elaborate attempt to import more than 200kg of methamphetamine into Australia.
The Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force launched an investigation after a shipping container from Mexico was intercepted in Sydney earlier this month. Detector dogs indicated the presence of narcotics, leading investigators to examine the container.
AFP forensic specialists allegedly discovered methamphetamine infused within the container’s internal paintwork. Police claim the shipment contained more than 200kg of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $185 million.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at a Box Hill property in Sydney, where they allegedly seized electronic devices and industrial equipment believed to be intended for extracting the drug.
Three Mexican nationals, including a father and son, and a 25-year-old woman, were arrested. The two men, aged 25 and 49, were charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The woman was released pending further inquiries.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said the seizure showed that sophisticated drug concealment methods would not prevent authorities from detecting illicit imports.
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said the operation highlighted the agency’s ability to identify even highly complex concealment attempts and protect Australia’s borders.
