Australia’s biggest ice bust in history: Officers seize over $1.6tonnes of meth worth $1.2BILLION hidden in stereo speakers shipped from Thailand
- Australia’s largest ever ice shipment was discovered by Border Force officers
- Almost 1.6 tonnes of the illicit drug was found in speakers from Thailand
- The drugs, worth over $1billion, were discovered in a cargo shipment in Victoria
Australian authorities have seized the country’s largest ice shipment in history.
Border Force officers detected almost 1.6 tonnes of the drug – with a street value of over $1.2billion – hidden in speakers sent from Bangkok, Thailand.
Officers picked the cargo shipment for further inspection in a targeting operation and, after being x-rayed at Melbourne Container Examination Facility, they noticed anomalies in the speakers.
They then took the speakers apart and found vacuum-sealed bags of the drug inside.
Australian authorities have seized the country’s largest illicit ice shipment in history
Border Force officers detected almost 1.6 tonnes of the drug – worth over $1billion – hidden in speakers originating from Bangkok, Thailand
ABF Regional Commander Victoria Craig Palmer said the record detection – equivalent to 16 million drug deals – would have a significant impact on drug supply.
‘Without the sophisticated targeting and detection capabilities of the ABF, these drugs would have made it to the streets of Melbourne and beyond,’ Commander Palmer said.
‘This is the largest meth bust we’ve ever seen in this country and demonstrates not only the brazen nature of those involved in this criminal activity, but the resolve of the ABF in Victoria and around the country to stop these imports,’ he said.
There was also 37kgs of heroin detected in the shipment with an estimated street value of $18.5m.
ABF Regional Commander Victoria, Craig Palmer, said the record detection – equivalent to 16 million drug deals – would have a significant impact on drug supply
Officers selected the cargo shipment for further inspection in a targeting operation
There have been no arrests so far, however, the investigation is continuing.
AFP Acting Commander Peter Bodel, Organised Crime, said the seizure has stopped almost 1.6 tonnes of insidious drugs from devastating the Victorian community.
‘The effect of these drugs on the community and families would have been profound. It may be your loved one, a friend or neighbour who has been spared the terrifying impact of this mammoth shipment.’
‘If you have any information – please come forward. Help us find the people who are willing to put their profit before the pain and suffering of others.’
They then took the speakers apart and found vacuum sealed bags of the drug inside