Australian police in record $840m haul of drug 'ice'

June 07, 2019 - 11:49

Australian police have seized a record US$840 million worth of the drug "ice" hidden in stereo speakers shipped from Thailand, officials said on Friday.

Australian police have seized a record haul of the drug 'ice' after a shipment from Thailand arrived in Melbourne

SYDNEY — Australian police have seized a record US$840 million worth of the drug "ice" hidden in stereo speakers shipped from Thailand, officials said on Friday.

Australian Border Force agents found 1.6 tonnes of methylamphetamine and 37kg of heroin in vacuum-sealed packages lodged inside the speakers after the shipment arrived in Melbourne, they said.

"This is the largest meth bust we've ever seen in this country," border force commander Craig Palmer said.

The haul size demonstrates "the brazen nature of those involved in this criminal activity," he added.

No arrests were made in connection with the smuggling operation and police appealed to the public for leads on who was involved.

Palmer said the seized ice had a street value of AU$1.2 billion and was the equivalent of 10 per cent of all the drugs seized by the border force in the previous year. — AFP

ASEAN members strengthen defence cooperation

World

Rose, Bruno Mars to perform 'APT.' at MAMA Awards

World

Bus travellers can use QR code immigration clearance in trial at Woodlands, Tuas checkpoints

World

South Korea to extend paid leave for women who experience miscarriages or stillbirths

World

Superbug infections could kill over 80,000 Malaysians by 2030, says Health Minister

World

Funds raised by Southeast Asian IPOs now at a 9-year low, but outlook positive: Deloitte

More on this story

World

US condemns attacks on Sudan protesters, seeks resumed talks

Washington on Wednesday called on Sudan's military rulers to "desist from violence" and urged talks with protesters to resume, after doctors said 108 people had been killed in a crackdown.

World

Mexico blocks new caravan of Central American migrants

Authorities blocked a new caravan of Central American migrants on Wednesday after they entered Mexico bound for the United States, as the government scrambled to dodge President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs over undocumented immigration.

World

Peru president wins confidence vote over corruption reform

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra scored a major victory for his government's anti-corruption policies Wednesday, winning a vote of confidence in the opposition-held Congress as the country seeks to emerge from the shadow of Latin America's biggest graft scandal.

World

Social Democrats win Danish general election, ousting right wing

Denmark's opposition Social Democrats won Wednesday's general election after a campaign focused on concerns over the climate, welfare and immigration, as support plunged for the far right and surged for the main green party.

World

UAE to present findings of tanker attacks' probe to UN

The United Arab Emirates, along with Saudi Arabia and Norway, will on Thursday present to the UN Security Council the findings of their probe of the May 12 attacks on oil tankers off the Emirati coast, diplomats said.

World

Iran crew member evacuated off Yemen: Saudi-led coalition

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it evacuated a crew member of an Iranian ship off the Red Sea port of Hodeida on Tuesday for medical reasons, amid simmering regional tensions.

World

Chile to close eight coal-fired power stations

Chile announced Tuesday it would close eight coal-fired power stations over the next five years as part of a plan to switch entirely to renewable energy by 2040.

World

Cardinal Pell launches appeal against child sex conviction

Jailed Australian Cardinal George Pell arrived in court under heavy police guard on Wednesday, beginning an appeal against his conviction for child sex abuse.