Largest ever onshore ice haul found hidden inside speakers in Melbourne
The largest ever ice haul discovered on Australian soil has been seized by federal police after almost 1.6 tonnes of the drug were found hidden inside speakers shipped to Melbourne.
Officers from the Australian Border Force discovered the drugs after they asked for sea cargo shipped from Bangkok, Thailand, to be inspected at a container examination facility.
After an X-ray, officers spotted "anomalies" inside the speakers and took them apart.
They found dozens of packages containing methamphetamine and heroin, which had been vacuum-packed and stuffed inside the stereo units.
The 1.596 tonnes of ice equates to about 16 million drug deals, with an estimated street value of $1.197 billion.
Another 37 kilograms of heroin was also found, which has a street value of about $18.5 million.
No one has been arrested and the investigation is ongoing.
Australian Border Force regional commander Craig Palmer said the drug bust would make a significant impact on the supply of methamphetamine in Victoria.
“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.
It comes several months after federal police and border force officers intercepted 1.7 tonnes of methamphetamine bound for Australia – the largest methamphetamine seizure ever recorded on US soil and the biggest intercepted drug haul bound for Australia.
The drugs, found in February, had similarly been "artfully concealed" inside a shipment of loudspeakers on a ship in Los Angeles, US authorities said.
Police said the record haul demonstrated a clear link between local outlaw bikie gangs such as the Bandidos and extremely sophisticated Mexican drug cartels.
But the Bandidos motorcycle gang released an unusual statement following the seizure, hotly denying having any link to the major haul.
AFP Acting Commander Peter Bodel, from the organised crime division, on Friday pleaded with anyone with information to come forward.
“Help us find the people who are willing to put their profit before the pain and suffering of others," he said.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.