Media Release
First charges laid under new drugs taskforce as 32 tonnes of methamphetamine-laced wax seized in Malaysia
This is a joint release between Australian Federal Police and Royal Malaysia Police
Editor’s note: Images and vision available via Hightail
The AFP has charged a Melbourne man for his alleged role in an unsuccessful scheme to import methamphetamine infused in paraffin wax destined for Australia.
This marks the first charges laid under a new taskforce between the AFP and Royal Malaysian Police to combat international drug smuggling.
The man, 31, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court today (14 March 2024) charged with drug and firearm offences.
These charges are the first laid under Taskforce Tiger, which was formalised in late 2024 between the AFP and Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) to combat the illicit drug trade. It targets narcotics trafficked between Australia and Malaysia, through real-time intelligence sharing, joint operational activity and enhanced training programs.
Operation Tiger-Milang, as part of the taskforce, began in January 2025 stemming from ongoing collaboration between the AFP and the Dubai Police targeting suspect containers originating from Iran.
The AFP alerted the RMP in Kuala Lumpur, who quickly identified two shipping containers and seized 166, drums containing paraffin wax, weighing about 32 tonnes.
The wax, which was destined for Australia, allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine. The exact amount is subject to forensic analysis by RMP.
RMP officers removed the drugs and barrels, and the consignment continued on to Port Botany, Sydney, arriving on 24 February, 2025. AFP officers in Sydney reconstructed the barrels and placed them back in the original shipping containers.
On 11 March, 2025, half of the consignment consisting of 88 drums was redirected to a warehouse in Rowville, Victoria.
AFP members conducted a controlled delivery on 13 March, 2025. Police will allege the Endeavour Hills man took possession of the consignment before he was then arrested.
AFP officers executed search warrants shortly after and seized a sawn-off shot gun, ammunition, and electronic devices which will be subject to further forensic examination.
The man was subsequently charged with:
- One count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs, contrary to subsection 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
- Cultivating a narcotic plant, the plant being a border-controlled drug, namely cannabis, and the quantity being a trafficable quantity, contrary to subsection 72b of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic);
Possessing a firearm, contrary to subsection five of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic); and
Possessing cartridge ammunition, contrary to subsection 124 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic).
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
AFP Commander Kate Ferry said the AFP’s international network and collaboration with international authorities was a vital weapon in the fight against drug trafficking.
“We know Australia is an attractive target for these networks to import and supply illicit drugs, and the AFP’s global partnerships including with partners in the Middle East and Asia continue to harden the environment for organised crime syndicates operating in Malaysia who target Australia,” Commander Ferry said.
"Methamphetamine, like all illicit drugs, causes psychological, financial and social harm to users, their loved ones, and the broader community.
“Serious and organised crime cost up to $68.7 billion in 2022–2023, with illicit drug activity costing the highest at $18.7 billion.*
“This includes costs associated with the importation, production and distribution of substances, purchasing drugs, and medical and lost output costs borne by users.
“The amount of narcotics seized in this operation is staggering and demonstrates the relentlessness of criminal syndicates who continue to pursue Australia for drug trafficking ventures.
“These arrests and our partnership with RMP should serve as a reminder to criminals who believe they can import illicit drugs into Australia – we will find you, and you face spending a significant portion of your life in prison.
RMP Narcotics Crime Investigation Department Director, Commissioner of Police Dato’ Seri Khaw Kok Chin, said RMP was resolute in its mission to prevent Malaysia from being exploited as a transit hub for illicit drugs.
“Taskforce Tiger marks a new era of intelligence-driven enforcement, enabling decisive action through real-time collaboration with the AFP,” Commissioner Khaw said.
“The disruption of this significant shipment of methamphetamine is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment. We will continue to intensify joint operations, ensuring organised crime networks have no safe passage through our borders.”
Taskforce Tiger was formalised during the 92nd session of the INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow on 6 November, 2024, during a bi-lateral meeting between AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM and RMP Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin bin Husain.
* Estimating the costs of serious and organised crime in Australia 2022–23 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.
