Two charged after hundreds of kilograms of meth found in noodles
A multimillion-dollar shipment of methamphetamine hidden inside a consignment of noodles from California has been seized in Sydney and two men charged as part of a joint agency drug bust.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR shipment of methamphetamine hidden inside a consignment of noodles and Asian spices from California has been seized in Sydney and two men charged as part of a joint agency drug bust.
The shipment arrived into Sydney as airfreight in late July and a substance was discovered hidden within it when it was examined by ABF officers. Tested confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
Forensic methamphetamine is being carried out to determine the drug’s exact weight, purity and potential street value, however police estimate the haul could weigh up to 300kg.
With one kilogram of meth having an estimated street value of about $100,000, the value of the hidden drugs in the shipment could be up to $30 million dollars.
A joint investigation into the shipment has been carried out by the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, NSW Police, NSW Crime Commission and the Department of Home Affairs began investigations.
Yesterday the AFP and NSWPF carried out a controlled delivery of the consignment to an address in Canley Vale to identify the intended recipients of the methamphetamine.
MORE NEWS:
Cold-blooded execution in Sydney street
Raptor raids Fourth Reich clubhouse in
Husar behaviour ‘offensive’ but no reason to resign, says Labor
As a result of yesterday afternoon’s investigations, police arrested Van Chung Tran, 53, at his Bonnyrigg home while he was meeting with Canley Vale man Stephen Thuan Hao Tran, 42.
Search warrants were executed at the Bonnyrigg house and two premises in Canley Vale.
Both men were charged with importing border controlled drugs and possessing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs. The maximum penalty for the offences is life imprisonment.
Van Chung Tran appearing in Central Local Court yesterday and was refused bail. He is due to appear in court again in October.
Stephen Thuan Hao Tran was also due to face Sydney Central Local Court today.
AFP Organised Crime Manager, acting Commander Peter Bodel, said making these arrests, so soon after the importation, demonstrates the agility and responsiveness of the joint investigations team in halting supply into Australia.
“This drug wreaks havoc on communities and impacts all across Australia,” Mr Bodel said.
“Stopping this importation has not only potentially saved lives, it has damaged a syndicate who will not receive the profit from their illicit drug trade.”
ABF Investigations Commander Graeme Grosse said seizures such as this proved the ABF’s commitment to keeping illicit substances out of Australia.
“Through the ABF’s sophisticated detection capabilities and by working with our Home Affairs and state police colleagues we have stopped these drugs reaching the community and doing harm to vulnerable Australians,” Mr Grosse said.
“Today’s result should serve as a warning to anyone attempting to bring these illegal, harmful substances into Australia. This will not be tolerated by the ABF and our partners.”
Further investigations will continue with Australia and overseas partner agencies into the syndicate responsible for this importation.