Cops pounce on 900kg of meth

Nearly 900 kilograms of meth has been seized by police in Sydney, landing inside machinery sent from the US.

Police removed the drugs from inside machines at Port Botany last week based on a tip-off received by US authorities.

After the 896kg of meth had been tested, removed and weighed, the shipping container was sent to its intended destination on Wednesday.

Two men at a Warwick Farm address allegedly examined the container, opened it and began moving the machines with a forklift; that’s when police pounced.

One of the men was later released pending further inquiries.

A 31-year-old Winston Hills man was charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said at least 25 people went to hospital every day for methamphetamine-related issues.

The seizure, worth roughly $828m, represents about nine million hits being taken off the streets.

“We will find those responsible and bring them before the courts,” Superintendent Fogarty said.

“If you know anything about this consignment, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 or via crimestoppers.com.au. You can report anonymously.”

The man charged faced court on Thursday. He will remain in custody until his next court date, expected in October.

The Federal Police began investigating the shipment after an anonymous tip-off to Crime Stoppers, and the US Homeland Security Investigations passed on information about large drug shipments being sent to a Sydney furniture store.

Australian Border Force Acting Commander Asha Patwardhan said criminal syndicates tried to conceal their imports whatever way they could.

“However, our ABF officers are expertly trained to identify anomalies in various forms no matter what type of complex concealment is employed,” Commander Patwardhan said.

“We encourage anyone who wishes to report any adverse or suspicious border behaviour to contact Border Watch online.”

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