Esky of meth allegedly found at Christmas Island Airport, Perth man arrested

A bag of mince containing methamphetamine has allegedly been found inside an Esky at Christmas Island airport.

Police have uncovered an Esky allegedly packed with methamphetamine sent from Perth to Christmas Island.

The discovery was made in November, and two Christmas Island men faced court earlier this year. On Friday, a Perth man was scheduled to front the Perth Magistrates Court.

The 28g of meth were allegedly concealed in a bag of mince inside a large Esky.

“Methamphetamine is a devastating drug that causes immeasurable harm to users and their families, especially in smaller communities,” Australian Federal Police Inspector Dave Reis said.

The Esky and drugs were found at the Christmas Island airport in November. Picture: AFB/ABF

“The criminals who push these substances are driven by greed and profit and have zero regard for the lives they ruin.”

Police alleged the two Christmas Island men paid the Perth man to buy and send the drugs.

The parcel was flagged at Christmas Island airport in November.

A man aged 24 and another aged 30 were arrested in February. They have been charged with attempting to traffic drugs, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

A Perth man, aged 50, was expected to front court on Friday. Picture: AFB/ABF

In May, police stopped and searched a 50-year-old Perth man at Perth airport as he returned from regional Western Australia. Officers searched his home in the suburb of Cannington as well, and a phone and clothing were seized. He is charged with trafficking a controlled drug, a crime that also carries a 10-year maximum sentence.

Australian Border Force Superintendent Shaun Senior said officers would hunt down any drug shipments.

The three men arrested face maximum penalties of 10 years in prison. Picture: AFB/ABF

“Regardless of the size of the facility or how the packages are concealed, we remain highly vigilant to those who attempt to circumvent our border controls, and our officers are ready to swiftly intercept and seize any illicit substances,” Superintendent Senior said.

As an external territory of Australia, the laws of Christmas Island are officially decided in Canberra, and the island follows almost all Australian laws (with exceptions for laws such as the Corporations Act).

Originally published as Esky of meth allegedly found at Christmas Island Airport, Perth man arrested