Hong Kong authorities seize 76kg of methamphetamine destined for Australia

20th October 202219th October 2022 Tony Kingham

Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigators are seeking information about 76kg of methamphetamine that Hong Kong Customs and Excise officers seized on Thursday (October 13, 2022) before it could reach its intended destination of Sydney.

Hong Kong Customs and Excise officers found the illicit drugs hidden in a shipment of transformers after receiving intelligence from the AFP, Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Home Affairs.

The methamphetamine had an estimated value of approximately HK$46 million, equating to approximately AUD$9.4million. If the drugs had been imported into Australia, it is estimated that the street value of the methamphetamine would rise to approximately AUD$68 million.

The air freight consignment originated in Mexico and was intended for delivery to an address in the western Sydney suburb of Blacktown.

Detective Superintendent Timothy Underhill said the AFP was working closely with its international partners to identify anyone involved in transporting the illicit drugs from Mexico.

“This seizure is a great example of our international partners working together to combat the movement of illicit drugs across international borders,” Detective Superintendent 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.

“Anyone with information about this importation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website. You can report information anonymously.”

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. We can only hope to achieve results like this when we work closely with our local, national and international counterparts,” Superintendent Mann said.

“The ABF will continue to relentlessly pursue those who seek to illegally import narcotics into Australia.”