AFP, ABF seize largest haul of 'ice chemicals'

Australian authorities have busted a potential billion-dollar ice importation network from Thailand after intercepting almost four tonnes of liquid ephedrine concealed in green tea bottles.

The seizure of the key ingredient to make meth is the largest haul in Australian history.

The Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force seized the chemical haul after a tip off from Thai authorities that a suspected large-scale import was heading for Sydney.

The 3.9 tonnes of the liquid ephedrine were hidden in green tea bottles. And 350kgs of methamphetamine were concealed inside buckets of plaster, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said in a statement.

“Two people were arrested over the ephedrine importation. One man was arrested in relation to the methamphetamine,” he said.

“Seamless co-operation with our global partners is critical to protecting our island nation's borders against the criminals who trade in misery and attempt to bring illicit drugs into Australia.”

Mr Dutton said the government is cracking down on the supply of ice and methamphetamine through increased international cooperation as well as “better controls of precursor chemicals from reaching our shores”.

“Keeping illicit drugs out of (our) country and off our streets is one of the highest priorities of this government,” he added.