Record-Breaking Crystal Meth Haul Busted in Melbourne
In a jaw-dropping crackdown, Australian authorities seized 668kg of crystal meth — the biggest onshore meth haul from Mexico ever recorded. This massive bust stopped over six million street deals in their tracks.
Drugs Hidden in Cow Skins Uncovered
The joint sting by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) kicked off when a shipping container from Mexico arrived in Melbourne on August 10, 2019. Declared as “Salty Bovine Skin Cuero Verde Salado De Bovino”, inside were 18 pallets stuffed with raw, untreated cow hides.
Then came the shocker: 167 silver packages containing high-grade crystal meth were smuggled inside those animal skins.
Organised Crime Figure Locked Up for 22 Years
Authorities nabbed a 45-year-old Mexican national, alleged to be part of a serious crime syndicate, on August 28, 2019. After a 12-week trial, the County Court of Victoria found him guilty of importing commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs.
On May 5, 2023, he was sentenced to a whopping 22 years in prison, with a minimum 15-year stretch before parole.
Law Enforcement Praises Team Effort
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall lauded the officers’ tough work in stopping the drug flood.
“Hiding drugs in untreated cow hides presented a significant biological hazard for AFP officers extracting the methamphetamine. It also shows the filthy, dangerous journey these drugs take before reaching consumers,”
“Organised crime syndicates cause human suffering at every stage — from the supply chains in Mexico to users and families here in Australia.”
ABF Superintendent Dan Peters praised the cutting-edge tech and vigilance of officers.
“No matter how criminals try to conceal their deadly cargo, our expertise means they won’t get away with it,” said Supt Peters.
“This bust proves that strong teamwork can shut down organised crime syndicates trying to flood our streets with illicit drugs.”
The AFP and ABF continue their fierce commitment to keeping Australian communities safe from the scourge of illegal drugs.
