Record $1.3bn methamphetamine haul intercepted by Australian authorities
Australian authorities have helped seize about $1.3 billion worth of methamphetamine in the US bound for Australian shores, the largest-ever haul of the drug in either country.
As a result of the seizure, six people were arrested yesterday in Victoria and NSW, connected to the US-based organised crime syndicate.
The 1.7 tonnes of methamphetamine could have resulted in more than 17 million drug deals, police said.
Four people were taken into custody in Victoria yesterday, including two American nationals who are husband and wife, according to Nine. Two Victorian men and one female will face court in Melbourne today.
It was reported that raids were carried out by Victoria Police, Border Force and the AFP in the suburbs of Woodstock, Pakenham and Campbellfield, in Melbourne's north.
Pallets of electronic equipment bearing Californian electronics company shipping stickers were dismantled and x-rayed at two Campbellfield factories. A white van was searched and taken away from the scene.
In Sydney, a 31-year-old Australian national was arrested at Hinchinbrook in the city's south-west. Another was arrested at Bonnyrigg Heights.
Both men are expected to appear briefly in court in Sydney today, where Australian Federal Police officers will apply to have them extradited to Melbourne.
They are both charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of ice, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Australian Federal Police will hold a media conference on the seizure this morning.
More to come