Media Release: Week of action targets precursor importers

An Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) investigation, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and partner agencies, has resulted in the seizure of 35 kilograms of precursor drugs, the arrest of one person and the detention of one unlawful non-citizen across New South Wales and Victoria.

The investigation began last week when ACBPS officers in Sydney and Melbourne seized multiple consignments of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine from China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

A subsequent week of action occurred between Monday, 18 August and Friday, 22 August targeting the importers of the consignments. A total of 13 warrants were executed in Sydney and three warrants were also executed in Melbourne.

Assistance during the warrants was provided by the AFP, NSW Police, and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

ACBPS National Manager Investigation John Beveridge said the successful operation has resulted in the disruption of a number of drug syndicates across the two states.

“Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are the most common precursors used in the manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants,” Mr Beveridge said.

“Despite efforts by criminal networks to evade detection, Customs and Border Protection has continued to identify, target and disrupt these syndicates attempting to import prohibited drugs into Australia.”

AFP Manager Crime Operations Jennifer Hurst said this operation sends a strong message to those considering importing precursor drugs.

“This investigation demonstrates that jurisdictions and borders are not an obstacle to law enforcement’s ability to disrupt the flow of precursors into Australia,” Commander Hurst said.

“This multi-agency operation is testament to our combined determination to stop precursors from entering Australia.”

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are precursor substances used to manufacture amphetamine-type drugs, such as methamphetamine or ‘ice’. It is prohibited to import these substances into Australia without a permit.

Further investigations are ongoing. The maximum penalty for importing precursors such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine is a fine of up to $850,000 and/or 25 years in prison.