Police seize 18kg of methamphetamine, worth $13.5 million, found in 4WD recovery winches
The alleged masterminds of a $13.5 million meth haul were a sophisticated criminal syndicate, but not smart enough to change up their 4WD winch importation method.
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The alleged masterminds of a $13.5 million meth haul were a sophisticated criminal syndicate, but not smart enough to change up their 4WD winch importation method.
About 18kg of the deadly drug ice – which equates to about 180,000 street deals – was uncovered in 4WD recovery winches at Wingfield on Tuesday.
Two men who lived at the property – a 51-year-old and 46-year-old – were arrested and charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.
AFP Superintendent Gail McClure said authorities were aware of the drug smuggling method after stopping an ice shipment months ago, which they believe is linked to the group.
Supt McClure said the meth was imported into Australia from Malaysia as air cargo on a commercial flight. Investigations into the source country are continuing.
“Now the (drugs) are in our hands they are worth nothing,” she said.
“We will allege the two men were key facilitators for the importation. This is a very sophisticated organised crime group.
“(But the) syndicate has made no effort to change their concealment method.”
Police seized 14 winches from the Wingfield property and searched another address at Modbury Heights. They found $13,300 cash, a cash counter, scales, electronic devices and travel documents.
Three other men were taken into custody during the raids but were released without charge because of insufficient evidence. Police expect further arrests and consider the shipment to be linked to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.
Police were first tipped off to the suspicious activity when the 51-year-old man was stopped at Perth Airport on February 24 after visiting Bali.
At that time the National Anti-Gang squad began an investigation into air cargo consignments linked to the man.
Both men appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday. They were remanded in custody until March 13.
Supt McClure said the seizure saved South Australian lives and stopped irreversible damage to the community.
Last year police busted a record 313kg meth importing racket worth about $270m
Three men were charged over the huge seizure, which was the largest in SA history, after the drugs were discovered in crane jibs on-board a ship bound for Adelaide in January.
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