Suspected drug mule, 76, arrested at Melbourne Airport over alleged $22m ice bust

A 76-year-old suspected drug mule told police the seven shoe boxes carrying a ‘crystalline’ substance inside his suitcase was actually salt.

A 76-year-old suspected drug mule has been charged after a $22 million ice bust at Melbourne Airport. Picture: Australian Border Force

A 76-year-old suspected drug mule has been charged after a $22 million ice bust at Melbourne Airport.

The Canadian man had just arrived from Los Angeles on Wednesday when a large black suitcase he owned was examined by quarantine officials.

Inside, they allegedly found what was described as a “crystalline” substance in seven shoeboxes.

Australian Federal Police will allege the accused man told the officers that the substance was salt.

The Canadian man had just arrived from Los Angeles on Wednesday when a large black suitcase he owned was examined by quarantine officials. Picture: Australian Border Force

But on-the-spot testing by Australian Border Force members came up positive for methamphetamine.

The meth had a total weight of 24kg, which police said was the equivalent of 240,000 street deals.

The man was later charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence which carries a maximum penalty of life in jail.

He was remanded in custody after facing Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled to next appear on September 1.

It is believed he had been travelling from California with somebody else.

ABF acting Supt Claudine Lupton said huge quantities of illicit substances were being detected coming into Australia every day.

Authorities found what was described as a "crystalline" substance in seven shoeboxes. Picture: Australian Border Force

“Criminals will try to hide illicit drugs in a variety of ways, however our well-trained officers have many detection methods at their disposal,” Acting Supt Lupton said.

“No matter how those drugs are hidden, our officers have the technology and expertise to find them.”

AFP Detective Inspector Chris Salmon would not rule out more arrests over the smuggling operation.

“It is rare that one individual can organise the purchase, importation and distribution of such a large quantity of illicit drugs. There is often an organised criminal syndicate operating behind

such drug importations,’’ Detective Inspector Salmon said.

“The AFP works tirelessly with its partners at the border to ensure these dangerous substances

don’t reach our communities.”

Originally published as Suspected drug mule, 76, arrested at Melbourne Airport over alleged $22m ice bust