A 76-year-old man was charged after being intercepted at Melbourne airport this week after allegedly attempting to enter the country with around 24 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The Canadian national had boarded a Los Angeles flight and had landed at Melbourne airport last Wednesday morning, when Australian quarantine officials seized a ‘large black suitcase’ the man had been carrying.
The suitcase allegedly contained a crystalline substance in about seven shoe boxes.
It is reported that Australian Border Force (ABF) officers undertook a presumptive test, with the substance returning a positive test for methamphetamine.
The drugs, which are said to have a value of around $22.3 million or the equivalent of approximately 240,000 ‘street deals,’ were seized by the Australian Federal Police.
The Canadian man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
He was remanded in custody following a brief appearance in Melbourne Magistrates Court and is due to appear in court again on 1 September 2022.
Investigations into the origins of the drug seized are ongoing, and further arrests by police have not been ruled out.
AFP Detective Chris Salmon said,
“It is rare that one individual can organise the purchase, importation, and distribution of such a large quantity of illicit drugs; there is often an organised crime syndicate operating behind such drug importations.”
“Ice destroys communities and tears families apart. This is a significant seizure, and I hope this sends a strong message to those attempting to bring illicit drugs into the country – we will find you, and you will be prosecuted.” Detective Salmon added,
“No matter how those drugs are hidden, our officers have the technology and expertise to find them.”
The Australian Police advise that to help minimize any negative impacts of illicit drugs on the community, the following services are provided for people to access support and information.
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at http://www.counsellingonline.org.au/
For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to http://www.turningpoint.org.au/
