Police suspect meth came from Mexico as three charged over ice importation plot

Police have arrested two Australians and a Mexican woman over an alleged conspiracy to import 480kg of ice to Australia from Mexico.

Three people have been arrested over the alleged importation of 480kg of ice to Australia, with police saying they believe the drugs came from Mexico.

Police arrested three people in Sydney yesterday, following extensive inquiries into the supply of methamphetamine to Australia.

Police allege the trio had conspired to supply 480kg of methamphetamine, worth an estimated $144 million.

Police arrested a female Mexican national, 32, at unit in Burwood and two men, aged 22 and 24, in Rhodes yesterday.

Searches of two units revealed a pistol, ammunition, drugs and drug paraphernalia, according to NSW Police.

Extensive inquiries into the importation and supply of methamphetamine were launched by

the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, NSW Crime Commission and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission in March. The arrests are the result of those investigations.

A Mexican woman was charged in connection with the alleged conspiracy. Picture: NSW Police

Two other men, aged 24 and 22, were arrested at an apartment in Rhodes. Picture: NSW Police Force

All three are due to appear in Burwood court today. Picture: NSW Police Force

The woman, 32, was charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of prohibited drug.

The younger man was charged with two counts of supplying a large commercial quantity of prohibited drug and supplying more than indictable quantity of prohibited drug.

The older man was charged with two counts of supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug, supplying commercial quantity of prohibited drug, supplying more than indictable quantity of prohibited drug, possess unregistered firearm, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit, and possess unauthorised pistol.

After the arrests, detectives issued search warrants at units in Rhodes and Liverpool. They found meth, MDMA, a pistol, ammunition, mobile phones and drug paraphernalia.

Meth and other drugs was seized during searches of units. Picture: NSW Police Force

“In March 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, NSW Crime Commission and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission established Strike Force Malory to investigate the supply and importation of methamphetamine from overseas,” a statement from NSW Police read.

All three had bail refused. They are to appear in Burwood Local Court today.

Investigations under Strike Force Malory continue.