“The AFP, working with key partners in the National Anti-Gangs Squad, has successfully prevented this significant quantity of methamphetamine from hitting Australian streets, and stopped millions of dollars of drug profit flowing back into the syndicate to fund future criminal ventures,” said Dep Sup McArthur. Source: AFP.
More than $25 million worth of liquid methamphetamine has been confiscated by Australian Federal Police in Sydney.
Officers from the National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) intercepted a shipment that contained 208kgs of liquid meth as part of an ongoing investigation into a transnational organized crime group said the AFP.
They found large containers of meth in a truck that was transporting olive oil in Fairfield on July 30 with authorities saying that it had an estimated street value of $25.8 million or more than two million street level deals.
AFP NAGS Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur said that he believes the shipment has an international connection.
“Australian-based organised crime groups have an international reach and will collaborate with known offenders residing offshore.”
He added that thanks to the efforts of AFP officers these drugs won’t be hitting Australian streets.
“Illicit drugs like methamphetamine in the community create a domino effect of damage to Australians, including domestic violence, increased strain on the health system and community violence, as gangs fight for turf to sell their dangerous drugs.”
It was mentioned by the AFP that investigations are ongoing into the syndicate responsible for the drugs.
A report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission in 2021 noted that Australians use more meth per capita than more than over 24 other countries around the globe.
Meth was the most consumed illicit drug within Australia, with Perth the major capital city with the most users per capita.
A 2019 survey revealed that 5.8 per cent or 1.2 million Aussies over the age of 14 had used meth with most choosing ice over powder.
Anyone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction is urged to get help and can seek treatment through the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 and can access counselling services at www.counsellingonline.org.au.
