Synopsis
Australian police have arrested three men with ties to an Iranian crime syndicate for attempting to import over 100 kg of methamphetamine. The investigation revealed that the intercepted shipment had a street value of approximately 100 million AUD.Key Takeaways
- Three men charged with drug trafficking.
- Links to an Iranian crime syndicate established.
- Seizure of over 100 kg of methamphetamine.
- Potential life imprisonment if convicted.
- Significant street value of the drugs involved.
Sydney, Feb 21 (NationPress) Australian law enforcement has arrested three individuals with alleged connections to an Iranian organised crime syndicate in relation to a foiled scheme to smuggle over 100 kilogrammes of methamphetamine.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced on Friday that the three suspects—a 46-year-old and a 41-year-old from western Sydney, along with a 40-year-old from Melbourne—were charged on Tuesday with attempting to possess a significant quantity of a controlled substance.
Convictions could lead to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The apprehensions occurred after the Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted an air cargo shipment from southwest Asia earlier in February, which was found to contain hip flasks hidden in 400 boxes that were actually made from methamphetamine.
Forensic analysis revealed the shipment held approximately 110 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, according to Xinhua news agency. The AFP indicated that the street value of this quantity is around 100 million Australian dollars (equivalent to 63.8 million US dollars), which could have resulted in 1.1 million street deals.
The AFP has identified the 46-year-old who took delivery of the shipment as a suspected member of the Iranian syndicate, and they had been tracking him as he interacted with other alleged affiliates.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a property in Sydney's western suburbs, where they discovered items indicative of drug manufacturing and currency believed to be the proceeds of crime.
The remaining two suspects were apprehended following a search of another nearby location.
In a separate incident last November, the AFP and ABF detained an 18-year-old Italian at Sydney Airport after allegedly finding 15 kg of methamphetamine in his luggage.
Authorities stated that this amount could have yielded 150,000 street deals, with an estimated worth of 13 million Australian dollars (approximately $8.4 million).
“Despite all the risks involved, we are still regularly arresting individuals who attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into our country through our airports,” stated AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden.
A report released by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission in November identified methamphetamine as the second-most consumed illicit drug in Australia, following cannabis.
