Drugs were found hidden in fake grass within the disinfectant tunnel. Photo credit: Australian Federal Police
An investigation into the importation of approximately 20kg of methamphetamine has resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old man from western Sydney this week.
The methamphetamine was concealed inside the pieces of a portable disinfectant tunnel – a device people walk through to have water or disinfectant sprayed on them – that was sent to Australia from Iran.
The concealment was detected in early November when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Sydney examined the air cargo consignment.
Pieces of the device included a water pump, fuse box, tubing and a stand that was covered in fake grass. ABF officers found a white granular substance hidden inside some of this equipment, which presumptively tested positive to methamphetamine.
Australian Federal Police investigators estimate the weight of the methamphetamine to be 20 kilograms. The exact weight and purity will be the subject of further forensic analysis.
Delivery of the consignment was arranged to an address in the Sydney suburb of South Granville. A 42-year-old man was later observed by police surveillance officers accepting delivery of the consignment. He was then arrested and his vehicle searched.
The man was subsequently charged with one count of attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
Australian Federal Police detective, Christopher Jessop, said investigations into this importation remain ongoing.
“The work of the AFP officers investigating this matter will continue, with enquiries to determine other people involved in organising the importation of methamphetamine, or links to street-level distributors,” he said.
“Methamphetamine is an insidious drug – it is highly addictive, can directly lead to violence and mental health issues, and the demand for it results in property crime and other offenses by addicts seeking money to fund their next hit.
“That’s why it is important we take it off the streets, and look to target those profiting from the distribution of it in Australia.”