Police have discovered 17 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in door hinges after being imported into Sydney.
The drugs were found by Australian Border Force officers after testing revealed the crystal substance secreted inside.
Three Malaysian nationals were arrested on Thursday in Chifley, in Sydney’s south, for allegedly importing the drugs.
Police have discovered 17 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in door hinges
The drugs were air freighted in Sydney and discovered by Australian Border Force
The methamphetamine was found hidden inside the metal door hinge
The men, aged 28, 31 and 35, allegedly imported the drugs via air freighter.
The methamphetamine was found hidden in what appears to be orange straws inside each metal door hinge.
The maximum penalty for these offence is life imprisonment.
The drugs were found as a result of an ongoing investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Task Force.
Australian Border Force Regional Commander Victoria, James Watson, said the operation was a terrific outcome.
‘As this case once again shows, organised criminal syndicates are using sophisticated smuggling methodologies in an attempt to evade ABF scrutiny, but our officers have the expertise and technology to detect even the most elaborate concealment,’ he said.
The men have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs and attempt to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.
They are due to appear at Sydney Central Local Court on Friday.
The consignment of door hinges were found after a joint investigation by the AFP and the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Task Force
Nearly 17 kilos of the illegal substance was found hidden inside the door hinges