JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
13 July 2008
Chemicals to make $297 million of ICE seized
An operation involving Customs, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the
NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC) has prevented the supply of enough illegal
chemicals to make methylamphetamine (ICE) with an estimated street value
of $297 million and led to the arrest of three people.
The seizure of 850 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, a border controlled
precursor chemical used in the production of methylamphetamine, is one of
Australia’s biggest.
A 37-year-old Cecil Hills man, a 24-year-old Cartwright man and a
27-year-old Liverpool man appeared before Parramatta Local Court yesterday
charged with aiding and abetting the importation of a border controlled
precursor and a state supply charge. The 37-year-old Cecil Hills man was also
charged with dealing in proceeds of crime.
All were remanded in custody to appear in Sydney Central Local Court on
Wednesday 16 July.
The pseudoephedrine was detected by Customs in three consignments of
ornaments and statues that arrived at Port Botany in Sydney in sea cargo
from Thailand on 4 July.
Intelligence provided by the NSW Crime Commission and further
investigations by Customs investigators and analysts led to three sea cargo
consignments being inspected at the Customs Container Examination Facility
(CEF) at Port Botany.
X-rays revealed anomalies inside the containers and Customs officers at the
CEF allegedly discovered white tablets, later confirmed to be
pseudoephedrine, hidden inside a statue of an elephant, a marble box and
brass stools.
AFP agents executed search warrants at Chipping Norton, Cecil Hills,
Kingsford and Campsie in the past 48 hours.
They seized approximately $230,000 in cash, an additional 25 kilograms of
pseudoephedrine pills, a kilogram of methylamphetamine, a bank note
counter, a number of weapons including a taser and a machete.
Customs National Manager Cargo Operations North Catherine Asbridge said
the seizure was an excellent example of diverse areas within Customs working
together to prevent harmful goods from entering Australia and of effective
cooperation between law enforcement agencies more generally.
“This seizure and subsequent investigations by Customs and partner agencies
has disrupted the supply of chemicals that had the potential to flood
Australia’s streets with illicit, harmful drugs,” Ms Asbridge said.
“By preventing precursor chemicals from entering the country, commonwealth
and state agencies are playing a critical role in combating the illegal drug
trade.”
AFP National Manager Border and International Tim Morris said this was a
significant operation for the AFP, involving a massive investment of resources.
“This operation has involved extensive planning and preparation for the AFP,
with 110 AFP members deployed at 10 locations across Sydney and the
operation of a 24-hour major incident room over the past three days,”
Assistant Commissioner Morris said.
“This seizure has saved the community an estimated $215 million in
associated health and social costs, but it is also important to note that the
makeshift laboratories set up to process illegal narcotics from these kinds of
chemicals also pose a danger to the community and a risk to the
environment.”
The maximum penalty for the importation offences is 25 years imprisonment
and/or a $550,000 fine.
Media Conference
A joint media conference will be held today (Sunday, 13 July 2008) at AFP
Headquarters in Sydney where the pseudoephedrine will be on display.
Time: 10am
Address: Address: AFP Headquarters, 110 Goulburn Street, Sydney
Photos of the pseudoephedrine tablets and elephant statue are
available from Customs Media
Media inquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra)
(02) 6275 7100
Customs Media
(02) 6275 6793
NEWS 
