An investigation is underway into the importation of 400 kilograms of methylamphetamine, which was intercepted by law enforcement at the border last month.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said that in January last year the NSW State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad and the NSW Crime Commission established Strike Force Pirinari to investigate the importation, manufacture and supply of illicit drugs and precursors in NSW.
“Acting on information from the NSW Police Force, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers targeted an air cargo consignment which had arrived at a Sydney freight depot from South East Asia last month,” Detective Superintendent Fileman said.
“The consignment was examined by ABF officers who noted inconsistencies,” he said.
“During a subsequent deconstruction, it was found to contain about 400kg of a white crystalline substance.”
Detective Superintendent Fileman said the substance was tested and returned a presumptive positive result for methylamphetamine, with an estimated potential street value of $300 million.
He said Strike Force Pirinari investigators seized the drugs, with assistance from Australian Federal Police officers, and have commenced a joint investigation.
“This is very much an ongoing investigation, and it is anticipated a number of arrests will shortly follow,” Detective Superintendent Fileman said.
