A record $1.7 billion worth of methamphetamine set to hit
Australian streets has been seized following a multi-agency sting by police.
More than six tons of methamphetamine was seized by police over several months during a joint operation involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and a task force including police from Canada and New Zealand.
A highly organized global crime syndicate is believed to be behind the importation of the high-risk drug.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill described the amount of methamphetamine, equal to 19 million doses, as “eye-watering”.
“The community harm that this operation has prevented is immense,” he said.
In January, Canadian authorities alerted the AFP that 2900 litres of liquid methamphetamine contained in canola oil bottles was being transported to Australia.
This led to further shipments being seized which included:
“We need to do more to combat the scourge of methylamphetamine in this state.”
A.C. Hill said there had been 23 shootings in Victoria which were more than likely linked to drug trafficking and organized crime.
He said the use of drugs such as ice was also a major contributor to family violence in Australia.
“At approximately one in six family violence incidents, the perpetrator will be drug affected,” he said.
“Drugs, especially methamphetamine are extremely destructive to families, we know that when a family violence perpetrator is drug affected, the risk of physical harm to family members is exacerbated.
“In March of this year, a man was sentenced to a total of 27 years in prison for a stabbing murder of his wife and daughter while in a drug-induced psychosis.
“The harm caused by the use of methylamphetamine ripples throughout the community, it doesn’t just affect those using the drug.
“We have zero tolerance for those bringing harm to our community and importing and trafficking these drugs.”
A.C. Hill sent out a dire warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade.
Australian streets has been seized following a multi-agency sting by police.
More than six tons of methamphetamine was seized by police over several months during a joint operation involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and a task force including police from Canada and New Zealand.
A highly organized global crime syndicate is believed to be behind the importation of the high-risk drug.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill described the amount of methamphetamine, equal to 19 million doses, as “eye-watering”.
“The community harm that this operation has prevented is immense,” he said.
In January, Canadian authorities alerted the AFP that 2900 litres of liquid methamphetamine contained in canola oil bottles was being transported to Australia.
This led to further shipments being seized which included:
- In May, Canadian authorities intercepted a consignment of liquid methamphetamine weighing 325 litres hidden within canola oil.
- Another seizure last month in Canada involved a 2900-litre batch of liquid meth disguised as canola oil.
- In December last year, Canadian authorities successfully confiscated a substantial haul of crystal meth weighing 200kg.
“We need to do more to combat the scourge of methylamphetamine in this state.”
A.C. Hill said there had been 23 shootings in Victoria which were more than likely linked to drug trafficking and organized crime.
He said the use of drugs such as ice was also a major contributor to family violence in Australia.
“At approximately one in six family violence incidents, the perpetrator will be drug affected,” he said.
“Drugs, especially methamphetamine are extremely destructive to families, we know that when a family violence perpetrator is drug affected, the risk of physical harm to family members is exacerbated.
“In March of this year, a man was sentenced to a total of 27 years in prison for a stabbing murder of his wife and daughter while in a drug-induced psychosis.
“The harm caused by the use of methylamphetamine ripples throughout the community, it doesn’t just affect those using the drug.
“We have zero tolerance for those bringing harm to our community and importing and trafficking these drugs.”
A.C. Hill sent out a dire warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade.
“Our message to those involved in the manufacturing and trafficking of these drugs is clear, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement intelligence partners to target you and crush your organisations.”The bust comes during the Crime Stoppers National Illicit Drug Campaign, which urges the community to report suspicious or drug related activity to Crime Stoppers anonymously either online or via phone.
Listen to Crime Stoppers Victoria’s recent podcast on Family Violence or search for Crime Stoppers Victoria on your favourite podcast app.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.