Investigation Leads to Arrest of Werribee Man for Alleged Role in $74 Million Methamphetamine Importation Plot
A joint media release has been issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and Department of Home Affairs regarding a recent arrest in Werribee, in connection to a drug importation plot.
According to the editor’s note, arrest footage can be accessed through Hightail. The arrested individual, a 25-year-old man from Werribee, has been charged for his alleged involvement in a plan to smuggle 80kg of methamphetamine into Australia in 2023.
The Victoria Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) made the arrest on July 31, 2024, after receiving information from US law enforcement. The illicit drugs were seized by ABF upon their arrival in Australia in October 2023. The estimated street value of the drugs is $74 million, which could have been sold as 800,000 individual street deals.
The consignment, concealed in steel boxes and addressed to a Victorian business, was intercepted by ABF. The drugs were removed and the remaining consignment was delivered to an address in Moorabbin in November 2023.
During the delivery, the Werribee man was observed at a nearby location and subsequently arrested. A search of his home allegedly uncovered encrypted telecommunications devices, small amounts of border controlled drugs, and evidence of drug manufacturing. The man was released pending further investigations.
Further evidence revealed that the man is also suspected of trafficking 11kg of MDMA, 10kg of methamphetamine, 5kg of cocaine, and 2kg of ketamine. He is also accused of laundering approximately $850,000 obtained from criminal activities.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, the JOCTF arrested the man at Newcomb on July 31, 2024, and charged him with multiple offences including importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, dealing with proceeds of crime, and trafficking various drugs.
The AFP Detective Superintendent Jason McArthur stated that the seizure of 80kg of methamphetamine not only made the community safer but also deprived a criminal syndicate of millions of dollars that could be used for other illegal activities. He also emphasized the AFP’s commitment to working with law enforcement partners to make Australia a hostile environment for those involved in the illicit drug trade.
Victoria Police Detective Superintendent David Cowan, from the Organised Crime Division, expressed concern over the high use of methamphetamine in Australia and the resulting impact on society. He stated that the damage caused by these drugs extends beyond just the users and affects the entire community.
ABF Commander Clint Sims reiterated their dedication to preventing drugs from entering Australia’s borders and causing harm to the community. He also emphasized the importance of working closely with law enforcement partners to combat criminal networks.
The Victorian JOCTF is a collaborative effort between the AFP, Victoria Police, ABF, ACIC, and Department of Home Affairs. The arrested individual has appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 1, 2024, and will next appear on October 23, 2024. No bail application was made.
