Australian Border Force dismantle testosterone smuggling plot through post

A major drug operation smuggling testosterone into Queensland has been dismantled after suspicious packages led officers to $300,000 cash and more than 10kg of the drugs.

The Australian Border Force executed search warrants across multiple locations in Queensland.

A major drug operation smuggling testosterone into Queensland has been dismantled after suspicious packages led officers to $300,000 cash and more than 10kg of performance enhancing drugs.

Australian Border Force (ABF) began investigating in January after officers in Brisbane spotted 11 suspicious packages linked to nine post office boxes and parcel lockers across south east Queensland.

Ten of the packages each had 1kg of testosterone in foil bags, sparking search warrants at properties in Stafford and Little Mountain, a suburb of the Sunshine Coast.

Officers found large amounts of performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) at the Stafford property, as well as commercial amounts of pharmaceutical drugs, vapes, $40,000 cash, electronic devices, and documentation relating to importations.

The Australian Border Force executed search warrants, disrupting a significant importation of performance and image enhancing drugs.

One man – identified as the primary person of interest – was arrested and charged by Queensland Police Service in relation to the possession and trafficking of dangerous drugs.

In Little Mountain, officers found cocaine, MDMA, testosterone and about $5900 in cash, and another man was arrested.

Information from the electronic devices seized at the properties led police to another person of interest suspected to be a more senior member of the syndicate.

Two further properties were searched in Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast this week where evidence of a prior small-scale lab, $384,000 cash, lab equipment and more PIEDs were located.

ABF Acting Superintendent Neil Matheson said the operation highlighted the ABF’s unwavering commitment to protecting the Australian community from the illegal importation of controlled substances.

“This outcome demonstrates the ABF’s determination to disrupt the illicit trade of performance and image enhancing drugs. These substances can pose significant health risks, and we will continue to target individuals and networks attempting to exploit import pathways,” Superintendent Matheson said.

“Our officers work tirelessly to detect, disrupt and dismantle criminal activities linked to illicit imports.

“This operation is yet another example of our strong collaboration with law enforcement partners, ensuring those engaging in illegal activity are held accountable.”

Investigations are ongoing with both state and federal charges likely.