Photo credit: Australian Federal Police
A 43-year-old Darwin man has faced Darwin Local Court today (1 October) after he was charged by the Northern Territory Joint Organised Crime Task Force for allegedly importing 30 kilograms of the illicit substance Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA).
He was arrested at his home yesterday (30 September) following a joint investigation launched last month when Australian Border Force officers detected an alleged substance in a parcel from China.
Investigators from the task force removed the substance from the parcel, then notified the intended recipient that it was ready for collection.
Police will allege the 43-year-old man attempted to take possession of the package from the freight collection depot on Wednesday (29 September).
Early yesterday morning officers executed a search warrant at the man’s residence, which is alleged to be the delivery address marked on the parcel.
The man was arrested at his home and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, and possessing cannabis and a smoking implement.
During the search warrant, officers seized mobile phones, a laptop and cannabis. The electronic devices will be subject to forensic examination and further charges have not been ruled out.
The accused was remanded in custody to re-appear on Wednesday, 6 October.
AFP Superintendent, Matthew Ballard, said the use of these illicit substances are extremely dangerous and can lead to a loss of consciousness, memory loss, respiratory difficulties, and even death.
“The AFP continues to work closely with its partners to prevent these drugs from getting onto our streets and potentially being used in the carriage of other serious offences, such as assaults,” he said.
“This seizure and arrest is another great example of the results that are being continually achieved through law enforcement agencies working collaboratively,” noted Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan from the Northern Territory Police Drugs and Organised Crime Section.
GABA is marketed in some countries as a dietary supplement to promote relaxation, mental focus and sleep, as well as reduce anxiety.