The Australian Federal Police and Border Force found 100 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed within leather sandals, and they have charged a guy for it.
In April 2024, the AFP launched “Operation Birkin” following an inspection by Border Force agents of six cartons that had landed from Thailand at Sydney’s Port Botany.
Upon inspecting the consignment, they discovered boxes containing black leather sandals, with the drugs purportedly concealed within the soles.
According to authorities, the crate was meant for a storage facility located in western Sydney.
An attempt was reportedly made by a Malaysian national to retrieve the boxes from the storage facility by the AFP during the course of the inquiry into the illegal sandals.
The suspect was allegedly seen by police driving from Sydney to Melbourne along the Hume Highway while they pursued him.
Following his identification, the individual was taken into custody by AFP officers at his Burwood, Victoria, residence on Thursday afternoon.
The individual was charged with attempting to possess meth of a commercial quality after several counterfeit phones were found.
The maximum punishment for the offence is life in jail. According to AFP Sergeant Alex Drummond, the AFP and its allies are dedicated to keeping harmful substances off Australian streets.
“The AFP will continue to work tirelessly to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets and ensure those hellbent on poisoning the community see justice,” he stated.
“We will allege this man was willing to drive up to Sydney at short notice to collect this consignment but the AFP stopped the onward distribution of these drugs, preventing millions of dollars from entering the criminal economy.”
Yesterday morning, the man showed up at Melbourne Magistrates Court, where he was denied bail.
Later this year, on August 30, he will go back to the same court.
