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$18.9 million of methamphetamine concealed within the wooden slats of pallets

Two Sydney men faced court today for allegedly importing 63 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside shipping pallets from Malaysia, with an estimated street value of $18.9 million.

A 36-year-old Bexley man and a 27-year-old Merrylands man were arrested yesterday (8 April 2021) after Australian Federal Police officers conducted a controlled delivery of the consignment to an address in Guildford West.

The investigation began in March 2021 when a consignment labelled as mop buckets was examined by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Sydney.

Further forensic examination revealed 18 wooden pallets had methamphetamine concealed within the wooden slats, with approximately 63 kilograms uncovered.

Police enquiries identified the 27-year-old Merrylands man as the alleged recipient of the shipment. Police executed a search warrant at a Bexley residence linked to the 36-year-old man.

The two men were charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

The two men faced Central Local Court today and were refused bail.

AFP acting Commander Crime Geoff Turner said despite the creativity offenders displayed when trying to import drugs into the country, Australian authorities were one-step ahead.

“You name it; they’ve tried to hide drugs in it. Nevertheless, we are dedicated to stopping these harmful drugs reaching our communities and harming countless Australians,” A/Commander Turner said.

ABF Port Operations East Acting Commander Brendan Slape said the ABF is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to stop these dangerous drugs at the border. 

“This operation shows it’s not just imported items that ABF officers are examining for hidden drug concealments, the packaging around those items are heavily scrutinised too,” A/g Commander Slape said.

“The ABF knows the methods criminals use to conceal illicit drugs are constantly evolving. That’s why ABF officers use technological advancements, intelligence analysis and their unique skills to keep on top of the latest trends and concealment methods.”