A joint operation conducted by the Australian
Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border
Force (ABF) has resulted in the arrest of four
people and the seizure of approximately 140kg of
methamphetamine (worth $80m) hidden
generators in Sydney, Australia. The four were
charged with importing a commercial quantity of a
border-controlled drug.
The investigation, codenamed Operation Fuchsia,
began in March when ABF officers examined a sea
cargo consignment upon arrival in Sydney from
Mexico. The consignment comprised two
containers, which held 11 diesel generators and
weighed around 15 tonnes in total. An examination
of the consignment revealed anomalies within the
generators, and the matter was referred to the
AFP.
The four charged people include a 60-year-old
Nigerian-American, a 45-year-old Nigerian-
Mexican, 48-year-old Nigerian-Australian, a 35-
year-old Nigerian-Australian. They faced
Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, June 4, 2016.
Each of the men were charged with one count of
importing a commercial quantity of a border
controlled drug, namely methamphetamine,
contrary to Section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act
1995 (Cth), and one count of attempting to
possess, contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal
Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for
these offences is life imprisonment.
As part of the investigation, search warrants were
conducted in Melbourne on Saturday morning and
the 35-year-old dual Nigerian/Australian citizen
was arrested, and charged later.
AFP Commander Chris Sheehan, State Manager
NSW, said these arrests highlighted the
commitment of law enforcement agencies and
border protection agencies in combating
international drug smuggling.
"The size of this seizure is an indication
that organised crime groups are still
seeking to target Australian users and the
high price those users are willing to pay for
these drugs," Commander Sheehan said.
"Our work is focused on detecting,
disrupting and dismantling organised
criminal networks, and bringing to account
these groups that seek to bring harm our
community. The success of this operation
is a testament to the tenacity of the
investigators who have worked on this
operation for the past three months."
ABF NSW Regional Commander, Tim Fitzgerald,
said the successful operation highlighted the
dedicated work of ABF officers at the border, who
initially inspected and uncovered the consignment
in the two shipping containers.
"Once again, we see how a successful
border intercept by ABF can initiate a
broader criminal investigation by law
enforcement. By working together, we are
able to effectively crack down on those
who attempt to criminally import what was,
in this case, a significant amount of
harmful narcotics," Regional Commander
Fitzgerald said.
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