The AFP has charged a father and son following an investigation into the attempted importation of illicit drugs into Australia using the postal system.
The father, 54, was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a methamphetamine precursor while his son, 25, was charged with possessing child abuse material.
Both men appeared before Downing Centre Local Court, with the older man set to appear at the same court today. His son will reappear before the same court at a later date.
The AFP began an investigation in August, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility located 4.5kg of a methamphetamine precursor, called Nisopropylbenzlamine, in an international mail package sent from China. Nisopropylbenzlamine is a border controlled drug.
AFP began an investigation which resulted in the execution of search warrants at two properties in the western Sydney suburbs of Kellyville and Castle Hill on 11 November.
At the Kellyville unit, investigators located and seized two mobile phones, with one allegedly containing images of the manufacture of a white crystalline substance and a screenshot of instructions suspected to relate to the manufacture of drugs.
The AFP will allege investigators heard the man, 54, flushing a toilet and observed a substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, located nearby.
AFP Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP worked closely with ABF and other partners to combat criminal syndicates which tried to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia and supply them to the community.
“Methamphetamine, like all illicit drugs, causes psychological, financial and social harm to users, their loved ones, and the broader community,” Supt Fogarty said.
“While most air mail or air cargo imports might seem like relatively small amounts of illicit substances – anywhere from five grams to several kilograms – combined, they equate to millions of individual street deals that cause significant harm to the community.
“The AFP and partners are committed to protecting the community from the scourge of drugs and to targeting individuals who seek to profit from the illicit trade.”
ABF Acting Commander Asha Patwardhan said the charges sent a clear message to those thinking about engaging in illegal and abhorrent activities.
“Our officers are dedicated to preventing community harm, whether that be from illicit drugs or child abuse material,” A/Commander Patwardhan said.
“We will continue working in lockstep with AFP and other partners to detect and disrupt these activities, and ensure that those engaging in them face the full legal consequences.”
