Two men charged and almost 5kg of crystal methamphetamine seized
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and Australian Border Force.
Two men have been charged following a joint agency investigation into the importation of border controlled drugs through the air cargo and international air mail stream.
This joint agency operation, codenamed Operation Delime, involved members from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and Australian Border Force (ABF).
ABF officers at Melbourne detected five consignments of the border controlled drug Crystal Methamphetamine through international mail between 28 December 2015 and 21 January 2016.
The drugs, with a total weight of 4.9 kilograms, are believed to have originated from Asia.
On Wednesday 27 January, AFP and Victoria Police officers executed search warrants in Melbourne, Caroline Springs and Kyneton resulting in the four arrests of Taiwanese nationals.
A 29–year-old Melbourne man appeared today (Thursday 28 January) at the Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with three counts of importing commercial quantities of border controlled drugs.
A 31 –year-old Kyneton man appeared today (Thursday 28 January) at the Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with one count of importing commercial quantities of border controlled drugs.
A 29-year-old Surry Hills man and a 36-year-old male Taiwanese tourist were released pending further enquiries.
Joint Task Force Icarus, with members drawn from the AFP, ABF and Victoria Police, is a joint agency task force that targets those who seek to use the international mail and air cargo systems for criminal activity.
People needing help with drug related problems, including families and friends of drug users, are encouraged to call the Health Department’s direct line on 1800 888 236, a 24-hour telephone counselling, information and referral service.
On average, 600,000 air cargo consignments arrive in Australia each week, demonstrating the integral role our air cargo ABF officers play in intercepting and preventing dangerous drugs and other substances from entering the Australian community.
Police and the ABF need the community’s assistance to minimise the harm caused by drugs.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Media enquiries
AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333
Victoria Police Media: (03) 9247 5205
Australian Border Force Media: (02) 6264 2244