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Australian police discover meth worth €740 million hidden in speakers

Police in Australia have seized methylamphetamine worth around A$1.97 billion (€740 million). A...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

11.00 7 Jun 2019


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Australian police discover met...

Australian police discover meth worth €740 million hidden in speakers

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

11.00 7 Jun 2019


Share this article


Police in Australia have seized methylamphetamine worth around A$1.97 billion (€740 million).

Around 1.6 tonnes of the drug - also known as 'ice' - were discovered in speakers which had arrived from Bangkok in Thailand.

Police in Melbourne had chosen a sea cargo consignment for further inspection.

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X-rays revealed 'anomalies', and when the speakers were deconstructed authorities discovered vacuum-sealed packages containing the drugs.

Along with the meth, officers also found 37 kgs of heroin - worth an estimated A$18.5 million (€11.4 million).

Police say the operation marks Australia's largest ever onshore methylamphetamine seizure.

Some of the drugs seized in Australia. Image: Australian Federal Police

Australian Border Force regional commander for Victoria, Craig Palmer, said: "This is the largest meth bust we’ve ever seen in this country and demonstrates not only the brazen nature of those involved in this criminal activity, but the resolve of the ABF in Victoria and around the country to stop these imports."

Peter Bodel of the Australian Federal Police added:

"The effect of these drugs on the community and families would have been profound.

"It may be your loved one, a friend or neighbour who has been spared the terrifying impact of this mammoth shipment."

Nobody has been arrested in connection with the discovery, with police saying their investigation continues.

In January, Australian and US authorities seized a record amount of crystal meth worth an estimated A$1.29 billion (€800 million).

The drugs were bound for Australia, but were seized in California.

That seizure was described as the largest ever shipment bound for Australia and the largest ever domestic seizure in the US.

Main image: Photo of drugs discovered in speakers. Photo: Australian Federal Police

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