Australian Federal Police (AFP) have discovered a large-scale drug-smuggling operation after seizing drums shipped from the United States containing 312kgs of liquid methamphetamine.
The two black, industrial drums, falsely labelled as “vegetable fluid oil,” were detected by authorities in the US in July, and Operation Tallow was launched.
They worked with Australian authorities to monitor the consignment, tracking it to rural Victoria, where it was delivered to a vacant property near Tooborac, about 100km north of Melbourne, on September 5.
No one picked up the drums, and search warrants were executed in Melbourne and Brisbane, but no arrests have been made so far.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy says they’re asking the public for help in trying to track the person or persons responsible.
“We are certain there are people in Australia who know something about this importation, or may have seen suspicious activity in the vicinity of Tooborac during the past few weeks,” Ms Cressy says.
“We are urging anyone who may have any knowledge or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppers.com.au.”
US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Regional Attaché Ernest Verina says they’re working with the AFP to tackle drug-smuggling on a global scale.
“Criminal organisations that display such a wilful disregard to our community’s safety to sell this deadly poison, must be held fully accountable,” Mr Verina says.
“HSI’s partnership with AFP is vital to stopping illicit narcotics smuggling and we will continue our joints efforts to identify those responsible for the smuggling of this liquid meth.”