Media Release
Chinese ‘drug catcher’ jailed in WA after international investigation
This is a joint release between Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Arrest footage and images of the seized drugs available via Hightail
A juvenile Chinese national has been sentenced to more than six years’ imprisonment for his involvement in a failed plot to import 5.4kg of methamphetamine into Australia and traffic it in Western Australia.
The male, 17, was sentenced in the Perth Children’s Court on 11 December, 2024, to six years and seven months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years and one month.
The AFP charged the juvenile on 25 June, 2024, after an investigation supported by Hong Kong authorities and Australian Border Force (ABF). The investigation started that same month when ABF officers in Sydney intercepted a consignment from Hong Kong that contained 6kg of cocaine.
AFP and ABF officers in Hong Kong shared intelligence emanating from this seizure with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (HKCE).
On 17 June, 2024, HKCE intercepted packages of illicit drugs concealed inside four stone statue pedestals destined for an address in East Perth, WA. The packages were later confirmed to contain 5.42kg of methamphetamine.
AFP investigators executed a search warrant at the East Perth apartment on 25 June, 2024, where the juvenile was living.
They found evidence linked to the attempted methamphetamine import, a package in the fridge that contained more than 850 grams of methamphetamine and items used for drug distribution, including scales and clip seal bags.
The AFP found the juvenile had travelled to Australia in March, 2024, and police believe he intended to distribute the methamphetamine in Perth.
The juvenile was charged with two offences and he pleaded guilty on 7 November, 2024 to:
- One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of trafficking in a marketable quantity of a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 302.3 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
He will be eligible for parole after serving three years and one month’s imprisonment, with the term backdated to his arrest on 25 June, 2024.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Tom Blakeley said criminals were not constrained by borders, so it was important for law enforcement to work together across borders to combat the harm caused by criminal syndicates.
“Drug trafficking syndicates cause harm in every country they operate and the AFP works closely with partners in Australia and offshore to protect our communities and ensure criminals do not profit at their expense,” Det a/Insp Blakeley said.
“Across Australia, 27 people on average were admitted to hospital every day in 2021-22 for methamphetamine-related issues*.
“The seizure of 5.4kg of methamphetamine in Hong Kong and another 850 grams here prevented a potential 62,500 street deals reaching the WA community.”
ABF Acting Superintendent John Sweet said cross border collaboration between customs and law enforcement agencies ensured syndicates could be monitored and disrupted in an effective way.
“International syndicates continue to see Australia as a lucrative market, with ABF officers working daily to protect the Australian community from the scourge of illicit drugs,” a/Supt Sweet said.
“Onshore and offshore collaboration is critical in stemming the flow of prohibited drugs coming into Australia.”
A HKCE spokesperson reminded members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary gain.
"They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong,” the HKCE spokesperson said. “They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.”
*Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
