A
joint operation conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the
Australian Border Force (ABF) has resulted in the arrest of four people and the
seizure of approximately 140kg of methamphetamine (worth $80m) hidden
generators in Sydney, Australia. The four were charged with importing a
commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
The
investigation, codenamed Operation Fuchsia, began in March when ABF officers examined
a sea cargo consignment upon arrival in Sydney from Mexico. The consignment
comprised two containers, which held 11 diesel generators and weighed around 15
tonnes in total. An examination of the consignment revealed anomalies within
the generators, and the matter was referred to the AFP.
The
four charged people include a 60-year-old Nigerian-American, a 45-year-old
Nigerian-Mexican, 48-year-old Nigerian-Australian, a 35-year-old
Nigerian-Australian. They faced Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, June 4,
2016.
Each
of the men were charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a
border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to Section 307.1 of
the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), and one count of attempting to possess,
contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum
penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
As
part of the investigation, search warrants were conducted in Melbourne on
Saturday morning and the 35-year-old dual Nigerian/Australian citizen was
arrested, and charged later.
AFP
Commander Chris Sheehan, State Manager NSW, said these arrests highlighted the
commitment of law enforcement agencies and border protection agencies in
combating international drug smuggling.
"The
size of this seizure is an indication that organised crime groups are still
seeking to target Australian users and the high price those users are willing
to pay for these drugs," Commander Sheehan said.
"Our
work is focused on detecting, disrupting and dismantling organised criminal
networks, and bringing to account these groups that seek to bring harm our
community. The success of this operation is a testament to the tenacity of the
investigators who have worked on this operation for the past three
months."
ABF
NSW Regional Commander, Tim Fitzgerald, said the successful operation
highlighted the dedicated work of ABF officers at the border, who initially
inspected and uncovered the consignment in the two shipping containers.
"Once
again, we see how a successful border intercept by ABF can initiate a broader
criminal investigation by law enforcement. By working together, we are able to
effectively crack down on those who attempt to criminally import what was, in
this case, a significant amount of harmful narcotics," Regional Commander
Fitzgerald said.
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