AFP seize $79m MDMA haul found concealed in an excavator

Five people have been arrested after police uncovered more than 400kg of MDMA stashed inside an excavator shipped to Australia.

Almost half a tonne of MDMA and more than a million dollars have been seized after police found the drug hidden in an excavator sent from the UK.

Australian Federal Police began investigating the shipment, which had an estimated street value of $79 million, after it was detected in Brisbane.

AFP said in a statement five men had been arrested in Australia and the UK.

The MDMA totalled approximately 448kg with an estimated street value of $79 million.,

Search warrants were executed on Wednesday at buildings in Blacktown, Mortlake, Homebush and Greystanes with two men arrested and $1.2 million seized.

The men, aged 33 and 42, appeared in Central Local Court on Wednesday and were refused bail.

Australian Border Force officers X-rayed the excavator when it arrived from Southampton on March 13.

They removed 226 plastic bags before testing proved the substance inside the bags to be MDMA. In total, 448kg of the drug was found.

The shipment of almost 450 kilograms of MDMA was concealed in an excavator imported into Australia from the UK.

Police uncovered 226 plastic bags containing the drug.

More than $1 million was seized.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Southern Command Bruce Giles said: “Organised crime groups seek to move illicit goods in bulk whenever they can and however they can.

“The AFP working with its national and international partners, will not stop in our commitment to protecting the Australian community from the harm caused by these drugs and our pursuit of those who seek to profit from peddling misery.

“To people who think MDMA may just be a part of the party scene, remember this – it is a powerful, addictive stimulant, which is not regulated and which makes its way to Australia through a chain of violence.

“Every time you use it, you line the pockets of organised crime.”