Alleged methamphetamine trafficker Elias Hamwi faces Melbourne Magistrates’ Court

A Fawkner man with suspected links to organised crime in the Middle East has returned to court after allegedly importing more than $41m in liquid meth.

A Fawkner man with alleged links to organised crime in the Middle East has again faced court, accused of importing 500L of liquid meth worth $41.6m in vinegar bottles.

Elias Hamwi, 43, faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after his arrest on April 5.

Mr Hamwi is facing charges of importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of methamphetamine following an eight week investigation by the Australian Federal Police.

Wearing a black suit with no tie, Mr Hamwi showed little emotion in the courtroom.

On February 8, 2023, it’s alleged Australian Border Force officers found methamphetamine hidden in a shipping container of food products labelled as jams, vinegars and sauces coming from Turkey.

Elias Hamwi will face court again on November 15, 2023.

The vinegar bottles allegedly used to smuggle meth into Australia from Turkey

Anomalies were detected in X-rays by astute officers before a physical examination found a crystal substance in the plastic barrels’ base.

On April 5, 2023, police executed search warrants in Fawkner as well as a Bentleigh East commercial property, and Mr Hamwi was charged.

“It is brazen,” Australian Border Force Superintendent Tori Rosemond said at the time.

“People think they are going to get away with it. Our officers are highly trained and will pick that up every time.”

Magistrate Andrew McKenna adjourned today’s committal mention until November 15, 2023.

Mr Hamwi is currently on bail.