Brazen attempt to import ice
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force.
Two Taiwanese nationals will face a Sydney court today charged with importing approximately 11 kilograms of methamphetamine in their luggage.
The men, aged 22 and 21, arrived on a flight from Taiwan into Sydney on Monday (28 March) and were subject to baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
A number of gift-wrapped boxes in their luggage were opened and found to contain a white crystalline substance. This substance was presumptively tested and indicated a positive result for methamphetamine.
The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the men were subsequently charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
ABF Regional Commander NSW, Tim Fitzgerald, said the ABF is committed to stopping these dangerous substances from hitting Australia’s streets.
“The ABF officer’s initial questioning of the passengers, combined with the use of technology, has kept about 11 kilograms of ice off our streets,” Commander Fitzgerald said.
“Each and every day, ABF officers are actively working at our borders to protect the community by seizing illicit substances just like this.”
AFP Commander Chris Sheehan, State Manager NSW, said that agencies will use their combined efforts to target illicit drugs crossing our borders.
“The AFP and ABF work closely at the border in targeting syndicates attempting to import drugs into the country. Intelligence sharing arrangements between Australian and international law enforcement agencies enhance the role we play in preventing border controlled substances like these entering the country.”
“This interception means that approximately 110,000 hits of ice won’t be available – and that is a good result for the Australian community,” said Commander Sheehan.
The men are scheduled to appear at Sydney Central Local court today (Wednesday 30 March).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
Media enquiries
ABF Media (02) 6264 2244
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333