Three men with alleged ties to Iranian organised crime are facing charges for importing over $100 million worth of methamphetamine concealed within boxes made from the drug itself. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested them on February 18 following the interception of an air cargo shipment from south-west Asia, which contained 400 methamphetamine boxes and numerous hip flasks. Forensic analysis revealed that the total methamphetamine extracted from these boxes was 110 kg, with an estimated street value of $101.75 million.
During a controlled delivery in Sydney, a man from Telopea accepted the package and was later identified as an alleged member of the crime syndicate. Subsequent surveillance led the officers to a unit in Liverpool where he commenced unpacking the shipment. A search warrant executed at the unit resulted in the discovery of drug-manufacturing equipment, cash, and various electronic devices.
Simultaneously, police raided a rental property in Carlingford linked to the importation, apprehending a 41-year-old man from Baulkham Hills and chasing another suspect who fled but was later caught with a canine unit. This property also revealed an active clandestine lab and 9 kg of pre-manufactured methamphetamine. All three men have been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a drug and are scheduled to appear at court on April 16, facing potential penalties of up to life imprisonment.