The meth shipment was discovered hidden in audio equipment in California. Picture: supplied
TWO Americans have been jailed in Melbourne County Court today (October 25) for their roles in trying to import more than 1.7 tonnes of methamphetamine worth $1.29 billion into Australia in 2019.
A man, 57, was sentenced to 21 years jail (14 years non-parole) and a woman, 52, was given 14 years jail (eight years non-parole).
The two US nationals pleaded guilty to planning to import a commercial quantity of drugs under the Criminal Code 1995, an Australian Federal Police (AFP) statement said.
The meth seized by officials could have supplied more than 17 million street deals with an estimated street value of $1.29 billion; at the time this was the largest ever shipment bound for Australia and the biggest domestic seizure in the US.
The American duo are the final two of six syndicate members jailed over the plot with four others already jailed, the AFP says.
REACTION
AFP Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur said the final sentencings capped off an investigation which had spanned more than five years.
“The impact of methamphetamine use is seen in domestic violence, the road toll and an overload on the health system, as well as lining the pockets of organised crime,” Det-Supt McArthur says.
US Homeland Security Investigations Attaché Ernest Verina said the investigation was a great example of successful collaboration between international agencies.
“The international reach of organised crime is disrupted by global law enforcement partnerships like the one between the United States and Australia,” Verina says.
Victoria Police Organised Crime Division Detective Acting Superintendent Jim Sullivan says the negative effects of 17 million street deals of methamphetamine would have been significant and traumatic and life altering for many.
“The methamphetamine market is unrivalled in consumption, harm and serious and organised crime involvement compared with other illicit drugs,” he says.
“Our message to those involved in the manufacture and trafficking of illicit drugs is clear: we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and intelligence partners to target you, and to dismantle your operations.”
Australian Border Force Superintendent Ben Michalke says the operation was a landmark achievement for the ABF and partners.
“This historic seizure prevented an unprecedented volume of methamphetamine from reaching our communities and underscores the effectiveness of our joint operations with national and international law enforcement partners,” Michalke says.
BACKGROUND
The AFP says that in 2018, the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF) learnt about plans for large-scale importation by a drug smuggling syndicate based in California.
The Victorian JOCTF worked with US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to lead US Customs and Border Protection officers to intercept a consignment in California.
About 1.728 tonnes of methamphetamine, 25kg of cocaine and 5kg of heroin were found inside two containers.
The task force raided 13 properties across Melbourne and Sydney in early 2019 and arrested and charged the US duo as well three Australian men and a South Korean man; the other four members were given jail terms ranging from 10 months to 15 years.
