This is a joint media release between Victoria Police and the Australian Border Force
In a joint operation with the Australian Border Force (ABF), detectives from the ICARUS Taskforce have charged two men and seized 10kg of methylamphetamine imported from Mexico, 6kg of MDMA, a Mercedes-Benz GLC and eleven luxury watches as part of an investigation into drug importation.
The investigation commenced in early July following the Australian Border Force’s detection of the illicit substance at the border. The 10kg of methylamphetamine had been sent via international freight from Mexico to a storage facility in Richmond.
With assistance from the ABF’s Air Cargo Operations team, ABF’s drug detector dogs, the VIPER Taskforce and Melbourne West Divisional Response Unit, three Commonwealth search warrants were executed on Wednesday, 17 July at a storage facility in Richmond and residential addresses in St Kilda and Malvern.
Approximately 6kg of MDMA, two gel blaster pistols, a Mercedes-Benz GLC and 11 luxury watches – including two Rolexes – were seized from the St Kilda address.
A 43-year-old St Kilda man was charged with the Commonwealth offence of importation of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 October.
A 42-year-old man of no fixed place of address was charged with the Commonwealth offence of attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 10 November.
Both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
A 44-year-old Malvern woman was arrested but released pending further enquiries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit drug importation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dave Galea, ICARUS Taskforce, Victoria Police:
“We’ve made no secret of the fact Victoria Police is determined to make our state a hostile place for organised crime, especially those engaged in the importation and manufacture of drugs.
“The illicit drug supply chain is littered with harm and had this amount of methylamphetamine made its way onto our streets, it would have spread through our suburbs, fueling more violence, crime and drug addiction.
“Our work does not stop with this seizure and these arrests. Alongside our law enforcement partners, we will look to chase up every avenue of enquiry possible as a result of this investigation and we will continue to disrupt the importation of illicit drugs into Victoria.”
ABF Superintendent Aviation Goods South Tory Rosemond said her officers were committed to working with the Victorian Police to stop illegal drugs at the border and safeguard the well-being of the Australian community.
“Illicit drugs pose significant risks to public health and safety, with the proceeds of their sale used to perpetuate further criminal activities,” Superintendent Rosemond said.
“By intercepting these drugs, ABF officers have not only prevented the devastating impact of these drugs on individuals and communities, but also disrupted the revenue streams that fund organised criminal enterprises. We always catch up with the criminals in the long run.
“The ABF is resolute in our efforts to stop drug importation and the threats it poses to Australians.”
