Authorities say the drugs were hidden inside two pieces of industrial equipment. – AFP
SYDNEY: Australian police on Friday (Aug 2) said they have seized millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine which had been smuggled into Sydney from the United States hidden inside industrial machinery.
A 31-year-old man was arrested for his alleged involvement in the plot to import 896kg of methamphetamine, also known as meth or ice, into Australia. The drugs have an estimated street value of A$828 million Australian (US$538 million) according to the police.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers found the drugs in a shipping container carrying two separate computer numerical control (CNC) machines in Sydney's Port Botany in late July following a tip off, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement.
The man was charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
"Methamphetamine is the second-most consumed illicit drug in Australia and its impact can be felt across the community, from our homes to our hospitals," said AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty.
"Across Australia, 27 people on average were admitted to hospital every day in 2021-22 for methamphetamine-related issues."
According to a report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) published earlier this year, some A$10.5 billion were spent on meth in the country between August 2022 and August 2023.
Wastewater analysis showed a 1.5-tonne-increase to 10.5 tonnes in national consumption of the drug. ACIC boss Heather Cook said that the rise in meth consumption was particularly concerning "because of the significant community harms it causes." – DPA
