Australia Federal Police prevent more than 300kg of ice worth $270m arriving in South Australia
THE Australian Federal Police has seized $270 million worth of ice hidden in crane jibs from making its way onto South Australian streets. It is the largest haul of methamphetamine in the state’s history.
Law and Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law and Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Bikie gang link to record drug haul
- Biggest drug bust in Australian history as 1.2 tonnes of ice seized
POLICE have busted a record 313kg methamphetamine importing racket, stripping about $270 million worth of the destructive drug from South Australian streets.
Three men have been charged over the huge seizure, which is the largest in SA history, after the drugs were discovered in crane jibs onboard a ship bound for Adelaide last month.
The drugs were imported by an organised criminal syndicate, police say.
Reginald Roberts, 64, of Waterloo Corner, Steven Sherriff, 61, of Two Wells and Bill Mayne, 45, of Two Wells, all appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday after their arrests on Friday.
Roberts and Sherriff, who were each charged with attempted possession and importation of a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, did not make applications for bail. But Mayne, who was charged with attempted possession of a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, was released on bail without opposition from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. All men will reappear in court in April. Roberts and Sherriff face a maximum life sentence.
SA Police first became aware of the sea-cargo shipment and notified Australian Border Force.
They then intercepted the consignment — which authorities believe originated from Southeast Asia — containing two crane jibs on January 24.
Officers discovered 313 clip seal bags containing white crystals, carefully hidden inside the metal base attached to one of the jib arms.
After returning a positive result for crystal methamphetamine, the drugs were swapped with similar looking packages that would not raise suspicions.
Roberts, Sherriff and Mayne were arrested together on Friday at Waterloo Corner, in Adelaide’s north.
Officers then swooped on two other properties at Green Fields and Two Wells. The substitute packages were found at Green Fields.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner for Organised Crime and Cyber Neil Gaughan called the bust “fantastic” but said the real work would now begin.
“The men involved in the importation were aiming to make some substantial profits, now they have no product, they have no profit, they have no future,” he said.
“And indeed they’ll probably spend the rest of their lives in jail. They took a gamble and they lost and they lost in a big way.”
“The AFP will work with its international partners to determine where these drugs have come from and we’ll work with our international partners to disrupt the drugs making at its source.”
In places like Southeast Asia, a kilogram of high purity ice can be bought for as little as $1000.
South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services executive officer Michael White said the drug bust was important, however demand for the drug would only decrease through early intervention, prevention and treatment plans.
“Reducing the availability and increasing the price of illicit drugs can lessen the amount being used in the community,” he said.
“However, even such a large drug seizure as seen (on Monday) is likely to have a very limited effect on price or supply.
“Whilst there has been limited research on how big seizures affect the market, those that have been done show that the effects are small and short lived.
“Where a large seizure increases price, it can make it more lucrative for others to enter the market or grow their business. As long as there is demand people will seek to import or manufacture drugs for profit.”
While the 313kg haul is the biggest amount of the drug destined for South Australia, it isn’t Australia’s largest seizure.
In December, eight men were charged after a record 1.2 tonnes of methamphetamine was found on a boat at Geraldton in Western Australia.
SA Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said the latest bust should serve as a warning to all organised criminals.
Home invaders steal, then crash, Mercedes
A luxury Mercedes sedan has been stolen by a man and woman during a violent home invasion at Kurralta Park.
It’s official: Notorious child predator to stay locked up
A notorious serial kidnapper and child predator has finally had his bid for release into the community denied after a two-year legal and political battle.