Joint agency effort leads to Australia's largest ever Ice seizure

Joint Media Release

Cabinet Secretary
Minister for Home Affairs
Minister for Justice
The Hon Jason Clare MP

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Minister for the Hunter
The Hon Michael Gallacher MLC

28 February 2013

Federal Minister for Home Affairs Jason Clare and New South Wales Minister for Police Mike Gallacher have today congratulated Australian law enforcement agencies on the largest seizure of the drug Ice in Australian history.

The joint investigation involved the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Crime Commission, New South Wales Crime Commission and the New South Wales Police Force and was commenced in November 2012.

"I congratulate federal and state law enforcement agencies. This is a great example of team work. It demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together," Mr Clare said.

"Three people have been arrested in relation to the drug haul, which has an estimated street value of almost half a billion dollars."

"I would like to congratulate all agencies involved in this outstanding result. In particular, I would like to recognise the incredible work of the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission who initiated this investigation," Mr Gallacher said.

"I am especially pleased that our reforms to the structure and focus of the NSW Crime Commission has seen its return as one of this nation's leading and trusted law enforcement agencies." Mr Gallacher said.

As a result of this investigation 585 kilograms of Ice were detected by Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers during an inspection of a consignment in Sydney on 23 February 2013. The AFP conducted a controlled delivery that has led to today's seizure and arrests.

Media Contacts:
Ryan Hamilton (Clare) - 02 6277 7290
Clint McGilvray (Gallacher) - 0413 285 286