A multimillion-dollar stash of methamphetamine hidden in electrical transformers being sent from Mexico to Australia has been intercepted at Hong Kong’s airport.
Key points:
- Australian Federal Police are looking to identify the Australian link
- The air freight consignment originated in Mexico and was headed for delivery in Sydney
- Officials said the detection underlined the importance of joint-agency collaboration
Hong Kong officers found the illicit drugs after receiving intelligence from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Home Affairs.
The 76 kilograms of crystal meth was found Friday in false compartments in the three transformers, a Hong Kong customs official said.
She said the transformers appeared suspicious when they were X-rayed.
“We only saw simple structures but could not see other components that should have been there, such as high voltage cables or coils of wire,” senior Inspector Lam Kai-shan told reporters.
Hong Kong customs estimated the market value of the drugs at $46 million Hong Kong dollars ($9.4 million).
The street value would have soared to $68 million in Australia, police here said.
The air freight consignment originated in Mexico and was intended for delivery to an address in the western Sydney suburb of Blacktown.
“This seizure is a great example of our international partners working together to combat the movement of illicit drugs across international borders,” AFP Detective Superintendent Timothy Underhill said.
“We are now working together and following every lead to find those responsible for this importation.
“Someone in Australia must know about this shipment, and we are very interested in talking to them.”
ABF Superintendent Scott Mann, ABF Consul in Hong Kong, said the significant detection once again underlined the importance of joint-agency collaboration.
“This is a large amount of methamphetamine, and it would have caused significant harm within the Australian community,” he said.
“The ABF will continue to relentlessly pursue those who seek to illegally import narcotics into Australia.”
AP/ABC