Originally published on February 12, 2014
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Australian police announced on Wednesday the seizure of $162 million worth of methamphetamine concealed in kayaks shipped from China earlier this month.
The drug was discovered in a container of 27 kayaks shipped from China to Sydney. During an X-ray inspection, customer officers found bags of methamphetamine hidden inside the watertight areas of kayaks.
A total of 183 kilograms of methamphetamine, with a market value of $162 million, was uncovered in 19 of the 27 kayaks.
Police coordinated a feigned delivery of the container to a storage facility in Sydney, where they arrested five people, one Australian and four Taiwanese nationals. Two were charged with attempting to import drugs, while the others face charges of possessing a commercial quantity of drugs.
Three of the Taiwanese suspects, all male, were living in the warehouse, while the only female suspect was registered as living in another address in Sydney. All suspects were denied bail and could face life imprisonment.
In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australian Federal Police Commander Ray Johnson said he was not surprised by the unusual tactic employed by drug syndicates this time.
"Fair to say that any item coming into Australia can be used to hide narcotics. Is it the first time we've seen kayaks? In this volume, yes. But any sort of means that these syndicates can use in an attempt to allow the goods to get though so that they're not scrutinised, they'll employ," Johnson remarked.
Australia has confiscated more than 1,000 kg of methamphetamine in the past 14 months. The strength of the Australian dollar provides another incentive for syndicates to smuggle drugs into the country.
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