Two men charged after 10kg of meth found in Richmond self-storage unit

Two men face the prospect of life behind bars after a 10kg stash of methamphetamine, imported from Mexico, was found hidden in a self-storage unit in Richmond.

Two men have been charged after 10kg of meth was seized from a storage unit in Richmond. Picture: ABF

Two men are facing the prospect of life behind bars after 10kg of Mexican methamphetamine was discovered in a Richmond self-storage facility.

The duo was charged and a woman was arrested as the successful organised crime bust saw a cache of drugs, luxury watches and a Mercedes seized.

Border Force crews first detected the meth, which was imported from Mexico, as it arrived via international freight and tracked it to the inner-city storage unit.

Three warrants were subsequently carried out at homes in St Kilda and Malvern, while the Richmond storage unit was raided on July 17.

Victoria Police and ABF officers uncovered 6kg of MDMA, a Mercedes-Benz GLC, 11 luxury watches — including two Rolexes — and two gel blaster pistols from the St Kilda home.

Border Force crews tracked the meth to the inner-city storage unit. Picture: ABF

A 43-year-old St Kilda man was charged with importation of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life behind bars.

He was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 21.

A second man, a 42-year-old of no fixed address, was charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, which also carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 10.

A Malvern woman, 44, was arrested but released pending further inquiries.

The Richmond storage unit was raided on July 17 and a number of items were seized. Picture: ABF

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dave Galea said the investigation, which only commenced at the start of July, was hugely successful for authorities and the community.

“We’ve made no secret of the fact that Victoria Police is determined to make our state a hostile place for organised crime, especially those engaged in the importation and manufacture of drugs,” he said.

“The illicit drug supply chain is littered with harm and had this amount of methamphetamine made its way onto our streets, it would have spread through our suburbs, fuelling more violence, crime and drug addiction.”

ABF Superintendent Tory Rosemond said the seizures would stem the income streams for organised criminals in Melbourne.

“Illicit drugs pose significant risks to public health and safety, with the proceeds of their sale used to perpetuate further criminal activities,” Supt. Rosemond said.

“By intercepting these drugs, ABF officers have not only prevented the devastating impact of these drugs on individuals and communities, but also disrupted the revenue streams that fund organised criminal enterprises.

“We always catch up with the criminals in the long run.”