Major drug bust nets 45kg of meth headed for Melbourne
The drugs were hidden inside a thermoforming machine, which moulds plastics. AFP
International authorities have seized 45kg of methamphetamine headed for Melbourne after a global investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Australian Federal Police officers in Mexico uncovered plans for the shipment of the dangerous street drug to be sent to an address in Melbourne earlier this month.
The shipment was intercepted in Hong Kong by customs officers who found the drugs hidden inside a thermoforming machine, which molds plastics.
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Around 45kg of methamphetamine was seized. AFP
AFP Detective Superintendent Patrick Gordon said criminals were using Hong Kong as a conduit to filter drugs into Australia from Central America.
"Hong Kong is a popular transit point for shipments coming from Central America as we have seen in the past, including a record 1.8 tonne liquid meth seizure also destined for Australia," Gordon said.
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The seizure showed the importance of the AFP's international partnerships in keeping Australians safe at home, he said.
"This methamphetamine had the potential to cause significant harm to the Australian community.
"Unfortunately, these international criminal syndicates care only about lining their pockets, not the irreversible harm they cause."
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