100kg of methamphetamine, cocaine intercepted on ship from Guatemala destined for South Australia

$100 million worth of drugs destined to flood South Australian streets has been intercepted by authorities.

ABF have uncovered a shipment from Guatemala headed to South Australia containing 100kg of illicit substances. Pictures: ABF

“Small anomalies” on-board a ship headed from Central America were the downfall for transcontinental drug smugglers, as authorities uncovered nearly $100 million worth of drugs destined to flood South Australian streets.

On January 11, Australian Border Force officers intercepted a shipment from Guatemala carrying what was declared to be “leather belts”.

But on closer inspection, officers found 100kg of illicit substances packed in plastic containers and tape wrapped blocks, hidden inside hessian bags.

The packages contained 90kg of methamphetamine, and 10kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of over $85 million.

The seized drugs were referred to the Australian Federal Police, who have since launched an investigation into the circumstances of the shipment. ABF Chief Superintendent Bart England said this was one of a number of recent large detections of border-controlled drugs in South Australia, as methamphetamine continues to be the “most consumed drug” in the country.

ABF have uncovered a shipment from Guatemala headed to South Australia containing 100kg of illicit substances. Pictures: ABF

Authorities say the shipment was disguised as “leather belts”. Pictures: ABF

“Our officers use their intuition and experience to detect drugs at the border, and in this case, noticed some small anomalies in the consignment,” Chief Superintendent England said.

“An inspection of the sea container as a result of that intuition led to this significant amount of illicit drugs being seized before entering the community.

“Methamphetamine is by far the most consumed and imported illicit substance in Australia. While criminal syndicates are relentless in their attempts to import the drug, we are even more determined to stop them.”

The revelation of the seizure comes just days after the AFP announced the second largest cocaine bust in South Australian history was uncovered.

On Monday, the AFP revealed two Victorian men had been arrested after 139kg of cocaine was found hidden in a shipment of luxury buses.

Australian Border Force officers said the seizure has stopped a potential 695,000 individual deals from hitting the streets, with a total estimated street value of $45m.

AFP Detective Superintendent Melinda Adam commended the ABF’s detection of the illicit drugs and said users were willing to pay “comparatively higher prices” drug users are willing to pay in Australia.

90kg of meth and 10kg of cocaine were unveiled in the seizure. Pictures: ABF

Investigations are continuing. Pictures: ABF

She said that while the market for drugs in Australia was strong – with a particular demand for methamphetamine and cocaine – the ability of law enforcement agencies to work together against organised crime was stronger.

“This disruption and seizure of these illicit drugs in South Australia is significant. Had the drugs made it to the streets, they could have been sold as 950,000 individual deals. Both ABF and AFP are proud to have prevented substantial harm to the community,” Det Supt Adam said. “Anyone who moves drugs or cash for criminal syndicates plays a vital role in helping other criminals profit from this damaging trade. This is why the AFP, ABF and our partners are relentless in disrupting all levels of the drug trade and stopping anyone who tries to profit at the expense of our community.”

Inquiries are continuing into identifying the shipment of the illicit drugs. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.