Trio linked to West-African drug smuggling syndicated arrested, charged over meth importation

Three men allegedly linked to a West-African ice smuggling syndicate have been charged for drug offences after police swooped on suburbs west and north of Melbourne.

The Victoria Joint Organised Crime Taskforce has charged three men with large-scale importation of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine.

Three men allegedly linked to a major West African-based ice smuggling syndicate have been arrested in Melbourne.

The Victoria Joint Organised Crime Taskforce have charged the trio with large-scale importation of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine.

Investigators from Operation Joondalup have seized 12kg of pseudoephedrine, a methamphetamine precursor chemical, and some methamphetamine.

Intelligence had indicated the group was importing drugs and chemicals from Malaysia and India.

Warrants were carried out at Strathtulloh, Wallan and Truganina where electronic devices and a large quantity of 1,4-butanediol were seized.

A Strathtulloh man, 41, a Wallan man, 27, and a Truganina man, 23, have been charged with importing commercial quantities of drugs and precursor chemicals, along with proceeds of crime offences.

The JOCTF is made up of members of the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, the Australian Border Force, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the Department of Home Affairs.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Jarrod Ragg said more charges were possible.

Victoria Police Detective Superintendent Jacqueline Curran said: “We’ve made no secret of the fact that Victoria Police is determined to make Victoria a hostile place for organised crime and in particular, those who are engaged in the importation and trafficking of drugs,” Supt Curran said.

Supt Uriah Turner of the ABF said the investigation highlighted how joint operations could combat illegal drug importations.

“Drug use is not a victimless crime. These arrests demonstrate that strong partnerships can effectively prevent and disrupt organised crime syndicates attempting to import illicit substances into Australia,” he said.