$300m ice bound for Sydney from Asia seized in air cargo

Authorities in NSW say a major drug seizure of 400kg of ice found in a “lazy” air cargo shipment from South East Asia would have “decimated’ a small town. SEE WHAT THEY FOUND.

$300 million worth of methamphetamine found in a “lazy” shipment bound for Sydney would have decimated a small town, authorities say.

The almost 400kg of the drug travelling from South East Asia on air cargo was intercepted last month by Australian Border Force (ABF).

While intercepted drugs are often found in household items such as children’s toys, machinery and car parts, ABF Acting Commander of Investigations Garry Low said the criminals did not go to much effort to conceal the stash.

$300 million of ice has been intercepted in Sydney. Picture: NSW Police

Authorities found the drug in air cargo from South East Asia bound for Sydney. Picture: NSW Police

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“It wasn’t really much of a challenge for our officers to find this one,” he said.

“I’d probably call it lazy, lazy myself.”

Acting Commander Low said the “significant” haul was enough to decimate a country town – and they were lucky to receive the police tip-off.

Police believe the drugs were destined for the streets of NSW and that the drugs passed through a number of ports before arriving at the Sydney freight debit.

Organised Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said the seizure was an example of agencies successfully pooling resources.

A police probe into the drug haul is now underway. Picture: NSW Police

“This is another example of how we work together … whether it’s sea cargo, air cargo or mail,” he said.

“It is anticipated a number of arrests are due to follow.”

The huge drug sting is part of Strike Force Pirinari – a targeted investigation into the importation and supply of drugs.

Last week, the ABF revealed hundreds of parcels containing meth had been intercepted in the post, with crims stashing their wares in everything from baby and laundry products to car parts.

Police say more than 10,000 parcels were searched in the past six months to December 2019, with the majority landing in Sydney.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Cook sent a staunch message to dealers attempting to smuggle small amounts of drugs through the mail.

“We are targeting the importation of meth at all levels down to 0.2 gram through to hundreds of kilograms,” he said.

“The co-ordinated efforts over the week of action show that there’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide if you are using postal services to supply prohibited drugs.”