A model of Optimus Prime, from the Transformers movies, that contained 35kg of heroin. Source: Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have charged a man from Laos for attempting to import 35kg of heroin hidden inside a model truck that appears to be modelled after Optimus Prime from Michael Bay’s and Hasbro’s Transformers films.
The man (21) appeared in Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on March 31. He was refused bail and is set to next appear in Sydney Downing Centre on May 24, 2023.
The 35kg of heroin has an estimated wholesale value of about $10 million, and a street value of over $14 million.
The discovery was made as part of a joint investigation with the Australian Border Force (ABF), codenamed ‘Operation Tonka’. It began on March 23 after ABF officers detected heroin hidden inside a compartment within a red and blue model truck. The truck itself weighed more than 100kg.
The truck came via a sea cargo consignment, arriving in Port Botany from Thailand on 16 March 2023.
The model truck’s red and blue colouring and flame decals closely resembles that of Optimus Prime in 2007–2011 Transformers films directed by Michael Bay. It is quite large for a model, appearing to be roughly half a metre in length.
Transformers, a major toy and film franchise staring Optimus Prime a fictional character well known for transforming from a robot into a semi-truck and voiced by Peter Cullen. A new movie Transformers: Rise of the Beasts set to release in cinemas this June.
It is unknown why the model truck was styled after Optimus Prime.
Specialised AFP officers removed the heroin from the Optimus Prime model, before reconstructing it to keep the drug bust in disguise and avoid suspicion from alleged members of the organised crime syndicate involved.
The 21-year-old Laos man was arrested after he accepted delivery of the truck, transforming a potential multi-million profit into a life-sentence.
AFP Sergeant Alex Drummond said it is rare for a single person to import a commercial quantity of heroin into Australia, indicating it was likely the man had assistance.
“There is typically an organised crime syndicate behind such importations because of the complexities in sourcing the heroin, the costs in sending it to Australia and the connections needed to sell it once onshore,” Drummond said.
“The AFP is working closely with its international law enforcement partners in Thailand and Laos to trace the origins of the heroin and identify other members of the syndicate behind this importation.”
According to the AFP, the man was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin. The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
This case is another in a line of bizarre drug busts by the AFP and ABF.
The AFP’s full media release can be read here.
The following services provide people with access to support and information regarding illicit drugs:
- 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
