Australian law enforcement agencies have completed a strategic blitz on drug importations via the international mail system, arresting 20 people and seizing 18.1 kg of illicit drugs worth $8.2 million.
The joint Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and state law enforcement operation saw 38 search warrants conducted in five states and the Northern Territory during recent weeks.
Among the 21 drug types seized were LSD, heroin, steroids, ecstasy, cannabis, methamphetamine, GHB and cocaine.
Illicit substances were concealed in cushions, a handbag, prints, a jade dragon, cosmetic brushes, birthday cards and other letters and parcels.
The interception of LSD during the blitz was particularly interesting, with 1100 tabs seized in Brisbane and 1000 tabs seized in Melbourne.
Of particular note, one man was charged with six offences in Victoria for importing 1.36 kilogram of Ice from China, while another Victorian man was charged with four offences for importing MDMA, ecstasy and amphetamine in both tablet and powder form.
During the search warrants more than $127,000 in cash was also seized.
Customs and Border Protection Regional Director, Graham Krisohos, said that Customs and Border Protection and its partner agencies will continue to target drug importations via the mail system.
"While most of these seizures are small, high-frequency low volume importations such as ones through our mail system pose a considerable cumulative threat," Mr Krisohos said.
AFP Manager Melbourne Office, Commander Scott Lee said the seizure of smaller importations can impact on disrupting the drug trade.
"These shipments contribute towards supplying the Australian market and exacerbate social problems within Australia associated with drug harm," Commander Lee said.
This operation particularly focused on Victoria, with over 14 kg of illicit substances seized in that state.
Detective Superintendent Gerard Ryan of Victoria Police Crime Command said,
"This operation further highlights the effectiveness of Australian law enforcement agencies working collectively to minimize the impact of illicit drugs on the Australian community. Some people may believe that the internet offers them anonymity and immunity from prosecution for importing drugs – this operation proves such beliefs are wrong!"
"Victoria Police will continue to work with the AFP, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and other law enforcement agencies in order to combat organised crime."
Penalties for illegally importing drugs include life imprisonment and fines up to $850,000.
In addition, nine official cautions were issued and information collected during the operation will assist in future work.
| State | Operational Activity (including search warrants and door knocks) | Arrests | Packages seized | Volume seized | Significant Seizures
|
| QLD | 8 (8 x search warrants) | 5 | 16 | 74g
6 vials
1100 tabs 2.6 litres | 1100 tabs of LSD and 2.6 litres of GBL. |
| VIC | 31 (23 x search warrants; 8 x door knocks) | 14 | 85 | 14kg
8 plants 1328 tabs | 3.55 kg heroin, 2.18kg methamphetamine 2.6kg of ephedrine. |
| TAS | 7 (1 x search warrant; 6 x door knocks) | 0 | 8 | 483g
3 vials
2 bottles
2 litres | 437g of danabol
(Methandrostenolone). |
| SA | 3 (1 x search warrant; 2 x door knocks) | 0 | 4 | 3.59kg
1 plant | 3.5kg of MDMC
2 litres of GBL. |
| WA | 5 (5 x search warrants) | 1 | 18 | 1.1kg | 354g of heroin, 333g of methamphetamine, and 414.6g of 4-methylmethcathinone. |
| NT | 9 (9 x door knocks) | 0 | 9 | 46g | 19g of cocaine and 20g of 4-methylmethcathinone. |
| TOTALS | | 63 | 20 | 140 | 18.1kg, 9 plants, 4.6 litres, 9 x vials, 2 x bottles and 2428 tabs. |
TOTAL ESTIMATED VALUE: $8,196,747*
(*Combined estimated street values for the heroin, cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDMA and LSD seizures only. Source: ACC Illicit Drugs Data Report 2010-2011)
**Still photographs of items seized are available by contacting AFP Media.**
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793
Victoria Police Media (03 9247 5206)