Taskforce from Australia and Malaysia Seizes Meth Shipment Concealed in Wax
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Synopsis
A taskforce of Australian and Malaysian authorities has intercepted a significant shipment of methamphetamine concealed in paraffin wax. The operation followed a three-month investigation after the shipment's origin in Iran, leading to the arrest of a Melbourne man for his alleged involvement.
Key Takeaways
- Joint operation between AFP and Royal Malaysian Police.
- 32 tonnes of methamphetamine hidden in paraffin wax.
- Three-month tracking of shipment from Iran.
- Melbourne man arrested for import attempt.
- Life imprisonment for importing large quantities of drugs.
Sydney, April 7 (NationPress) A collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies from Australia and Malaysia has successfully intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine concealed within paraffin wax, as reported by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on Monday.
The shipment, which contained methamphetamine concealed in 32 tonnes of wax, was monitored for three months after its departure from Iran, according to police reports.
This consignment comprised 166 drums of paraffin wax and was tracked by a joint task force consisting of the AFP and the Royal Malaysian Police. Upon its arrival in Australian territory, authorities intercepted and confiscated the shipment.
A man from Melbourne was subsequently arrested and charged for his alleged involvement in the attempted importation of this drug shipment, according to an AFP statement.
The AFP mentioned that the 32 tonnes of wax are currently undergoing forensic analysis to assess their methamphetamine concentration. Paraffin wax, a soft wax derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale, is widely used for various purposes, including electrical insulation and candle production, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Individuals found guilty of importing a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs into Australia—defined as 750 grams or more for methamphetamine—could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
“The proliferation of illicit drugs poses an escalating health crisis worldwide, adversely affecting communities, law enforcement, health services, and economies,” stated Kate Ferry, AFP Commander of International Engagement.
“Australia is an attractive market for criminal organizations and illicit drug users, who are willing to pay premium prices for drugs. This billion-dollar industry incurs far greater costs in terms of harm, grief, and health, social, and economic damages,” she added.
According to the AFP, authorities in Australia confiscated 10.9 tonnes of methamphetamine at the border during the 2023-24 fiscal year, with 11 percent of that amount transshipped through Malaysia.
