Two charged after allegedly importing more than three litres of liquid methamphetamine
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force.
A Hong Kong national and a Malaysian national have been charged for their involvement in allegedly importing more than three litres of liquid methamphetamine into Australia via international mail.
The arrests were made as result of a joint operation between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
The operation began earlier this month when ABF officers examined an air cargo consignment from Hong Kong labelled as containing food items.
Examination of the consignment and its contents led to the discovery of peach tins with signs of tampering. Testing of the liquid in the tins indicated a positive result for methamphetamine.
The matter was then referred to the AFP.
On Thursday 17 March, a 21-year-old female Hong Kong national attempted to take possession of the consignment at a residence in Granville, NSW, where she was subsequently arrested and charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Yesterday, a 22-year-old male Malaysian national was also arrested in relation to this matter after he attended the residence seeking access to the consignment.
The man has also been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.5(1) by virtue of section 11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The man is expected to appear in Parramatta court today. The woman appeared in court yesterday, and was remanded in custody to reappear on 18 May 2016.
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
Media enquiries
Australian Border Force Media: (02) 6264 2244
AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333