Pair charged after alleged attempt to smuggle methamphetamine from United States to the Gold Coast

Federal police have busted an alleged attempt to smuggle $1.3m worth of methamphetamine into the Gold Coast concealed within a computer tower. FULL DETAILS >>>

FEDERAL police have charged two people after an alleged attempt to ship more than 10 kilos of methamphetamine from Los Angeles to the Gold Coast concealed within a computer.

The pair, a 65-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, were arrested in Benowa on Thursday afternoon.

Australian Federal Police officers said the duo were arrested after picking up the consignment, in which the methamphetamine had been replaced with an “inert substance” by investigators from joint-agency Taskforce Sentry.

An X-ray image showing methamphetamine allegedly hidden inside a computer tower. Picture: AFP.

The AFP operation came after a tip-off from United States Customs and Border Protection, which allegedly discovered 10.8 kgs of methamphetamine inside the shipment.

It is alleged the methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $1.36 million, was hidden within a computer tower destined for an address in Surfers Paradise.

AFP officers also seized thousands of dollars in cash, alleged to be the proceeds of crime.

A 65-year-old man has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drug, knowingly dealing in proceeds of crime greater than $100,000, and possessing a dangerous drug.

A 46-year-old woman has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

Both appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Friday.

The drugs which were allegedly destined for the Gold Coast. Picture: AFP.

Cash seized by investigators. Picture: AFP.

Minister for Home Affairs and MP for McPherson Karen Andrews praised the police action.

“I’m serious about cracking down on crime and illicit drug trafficking to keep our community safe,” Ms Andrews said.

“The Morrison Government will continue to keep Gold Coasters safe by taking strong action against the illicit drug trade and making sure our police have the powers and resources to do their job.”

The package that allegedly contained the drugs. Picture: AFP.

AFP Detective Superintendent Helen Schneider said Taskforce Sentry gives Queensland law enforcement agencies greater options in disrupting alleged criminal networks.

“We are protecting Australians from the terrible social damage caused by drug abuse,”

Detective Superintendent Schneider said.

Taskforce Sentry comprises of members of the Australian Federal Police, The Queensland Police Service’s Crime and Intelligence Command, Australian Border Force and the Department of Home Affairs.

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