Man charged after $675,000 worth of MDMA concealed in wine bottles seized

Australia’s NSW Police have charged a man as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged importation of $675,000 worth of liquid MDMA concealed in wine bottles.

Acting on intelligence information, officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) examined a consignment which arrived in Sydney from the United Kingdom on Christmas Day.

The air cargo consignment – which was declared to contain wine bottles – was examined by ABF officers, who noted inconsistencies.

During a subsequent deconstruction, the consignment was found to contain 4.5kg of clear liquid within the items.

The liquid was tested and returned a presumptive positive result for MDMA, which has an estimated potential street value of $675,000.

Inquiries were subsequently commenced by investigators from Redfern Region Enforcement Squad (RES) under Strike Force Dices, who seized the consignment and conducted a controlled delivery.

During searches, investigators seized more than $25,800 cash and electronic devices, which will undergo further examination.

The Bankstown man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with possess commercial quantity of unlawful import (border controlled drug).

Investigations under Strike Force Dices are continuing.