Multimillion-dollar methylamphetamine bust in Melbourne

Two men were charged on Wednesday with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine — cannabis, knives, batons and electronics were also seized.

Two Chinese nationals have been charged following an extensive investigation into the alleged importation of $2 million worth of ice into Melbourne.

A Wantirna South man, 23, and an Oakleigh South man, 31, were arrested at their homes on Wednesday and subsequently charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine.

Police executed warrants at their homes and seized cannabis, knives, batons and electronics.

The duo faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday night and were both remanded in custody to appear again at a later date.

Police have arrested two more people as part of a Taskforce Icarus investigation into the importation of methamphetamine into Melbourne.

The arrests are part of Taskforce Icarus, an initiative involving Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police and the Department of Home Affairs.

Three men were previously arrested on April 4 and subsequently charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.

They were a 24-year-old Glen Waverley man, a 36-year-old Doncaster man and a 20-year-old Bundoora man.

The trio were remanded in custody.

Detectives allegedly seized around 3kg of methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia including scales, a firearm, knuckle dusters, tools, passports, radio equipment and mobile phones.

The five arrests follow the attempted importation of approximately 40kg of methylamphetamine which was seized offshore in the United States.

The consignment was collected and transported to a residential property in Doncaster East.

A 23-year-old Wantirna South man and a 31-year-old Oakleigh South man, both Chinese nationals, were arrested at their home addresses.

Police have arrested two more people this week as part of a Taskforce Icarus investigation into the importation of methamphetamine into Melbourne. A 23-year-old Wantirna South man and a 31-year-old Oakleigh South man, both Chinese nationals, were arrested at their home addresses yesterday. Picture: Supplied

About 40kg of methylamphetamine has been seized as part of the investigation, which has a street value of approximately $20 million.

Detective Inspector Craig Darlow from the Trident Taskforce said it was “incredibly satisfying” to arrest two more men in relation to the investigation.

“It highlights the determination of police to hold everyone involved in this matter to account,” Insp Darlow said.

“There are significant penalties associated with these drug offences and we now have five people potentially facing lifetime imprisonment.

“This was a syndicate who planned to bring immense harm to our local community.”

ABF Superintendent Uriah Turner said drug traffickers targeting Australia should “be on notice”.

“ABF officers are determined to stop drugs at the border,” Supt Turner said.

“Every deal that makes it to the street has the potential to cause death or serious harm. That is why we continue to work hard to stop these drugs reaching our communities where they can cause so much damage.”