Australia: Perth man charged over meth importation

A 36-year-old man has been charged over the importation of 406 grams of methamphetamine from Malaysia.

The man faced Perth Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Wednesday, 25 August 2021) and is next due in court on 22 September.

The illicit drugs were intercepted earlier this month when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined a mail item and allegedly found packages of white powder concealed within two leather bound notebooks.  Presumptive tests returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and officers removed the illicit drugs before delivering the package to a Heathridge address on Tuesday.

AFP, ABF and WA Police officers arrested the man on Tuesday (24 August) after he allegedly collected the mail package and fled from the property to a nearby golf course where he opened it.  Police cordoned off a large area adjacent to the golf course in the northern suburbs and located the man hiding in a garden shed at the rear of a residential property.

The man, who lives at the Heathridge property where the package was delivered, was charged with:

  • One count of importing marketable quantities of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
  • One count of attempting to possess a marketable quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years’ imprisonment

AFP Detective Sergeant Andrew Norbury said this was another example of successful collaboration between AFP, ABF and WA Police officers to keep illicit drugs off Australian streets.

“Methamphetamine use has devastating consequences on users, their families and the wider community,” Detective Sergeant Norbury said.

“Our hunt for pursuing those who attempt to perpetuate harm through the illicit drug trade will never cease.”

ABF Acting Commander Operations West Shaun Senior commented on the commitment of ABF officers to stopping dangerous drugs at the border, and the cooperation between law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of illicit goods into Australia.

“Our officers have sophisticated technology and extensive experience in detecting drug concealment,” Commander Senior said.

“Detections like this highlight the strong demand for illicit drugs in Australia, which is why the ABF works closely with its law enforcement partners to find those responsible for trying to import drugs into Australia.”