AFP and Aus Post operation snags more than 500kg in illegal drugs mailed into Qld

More than 500kg of illegal drugs bound for the streets of Queensland via the postal service has been busted by police in a mammoth operation.

More than 500kg in illegal drugs bound for Queensland streets have been seized by police in a huge operation targeting criminals using Australia Post to get contraband into the state.

The nine-month Australian Federal Police and Australia Post operation detected 160 packages sent through the postal service containing drugs, including 140kg of methamphetamines and 75kg of cocaine destined for Brisbane.

Four people have been arrested as a result of the operation.

AFP Detective Superintendent Helen Schneider said millions of street deals had been prevented.

“This operation has given us valuable intelligence about these groups, including that criminal syndicates often nominate an incorrect address, such as vacant lots or short-term rentals as destinations for shipments,” she said.

Detective Superintendent Helen Schneider of the Australian Federal Police during a press conference in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The operation kicked off in May last year when an Australia Post security officer was embedded with AFP investigators in Brisbane, allowing officers to quickly respond when a suspicious package was found.

Packages of drugs varying between a few grams to several kilograms were found hidden in a range of items, including candles, clothing, books and electronic equipment, with some importers going to great lengths to conceal the drugs.

More than 500kg of drugs sent into Australia by mail was seized by Australian Federal Police in a nine-month investigation.

A Brisbane man, 28, was charged after 7kg of cocaine was found secreted in the lining of cardboard boxes sent to him from the UK.

Police searched his house in December last year and found cocaine, MDMA and other items, and he faces life in jail if convicted.

More than 500kg of drugs sent into Australia by mail was seized by Australian Federal Police in a nine-month investigation. Some of the drugs were hidden in the lining of cardboard boxes (pictured).

A German man was arrested at Brisbane Airport after allegedly importing cocaine hidden in coffee bags and a children’s book, while a Cairns man was charged after police found ketamine hidden in bath towels.

More than 500kg of drugs sent into Australia by mail was seized by Australian Federal Police in a nine-month investigation.

All up, police seized 203kg of meth, more than 180kg of cocaine, 48kg of heroin, 26.3kg of GBL, 4kg of opium and more than 5.5kg of ketamine addressed to places across Queensland.

A parcel containing 45kg of heroin was destined for the Far North, and 100kg worth of cocaine and 50kg of meth and acid were meant for the Gold Coast.

Superintendent Schneider said every intercept, no matter how small, was important.

Drugs were concealed in the lining of a cardboard box filled with clothing.

“While most airmail or air cargo imports might seem like relatively small amounts of illicit substances – anywhere from five grams to several kilograms – combined, they equate to millions of individual street deals that cause significant harm to the community,” she said. “Drug trafficking impacts on our national security because criminals try to corrupt officials, or those who work in key logistic or infrastructure sectors.

“The disruption to the supply chain is a key part of our strategy to protect the Australian community from the harm illicit drugs can cause.”

The men will appear in court over the coming months.