Ice Precursor Stopped At Border

Ice Precursor Stopped at Border

Customs and Border Protection investigators in Sydney have arrested two men following the seizure of nine kilograms of pseudoephedrine, a precursor for the drug ice.

A 25-year-old man from Chester Hill and a 25-year-old man from St Johns Park have been arrested in relation to the importation.

Investigations began on 9 September 2009 when Customs and Border Protection officers at the Sydney Mail Centre discovered approximately nine kilograms of pseudoephedrine, concealed inside flavoured drink packages, in a parcel from Vietnam.

Customs and Border Protection investigators conducted warrants at residential addresses in St Johns Park and Villawood and the two men were subsequently arrested and charged.

Customs and Border Protection National Manager Investigations, Mr Richard Janeczko, said these drugs could have been used to create the deadly street drug ice.

"These drugs pose a great risk to the Australian community. We take our role in preventing these substances from hitting the streets very seriously," Mr Janeczko said.

"Those who attempt to import these products will be treated with the full force of the law," he said.

Both men have been granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on 10 November 2009.

The maximum penalty for this charge is 5 years imprisonment and or $110,000.

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SOURCE: Customs and Border Protection