Media Release
Iranian national charged in relation to failed 390kg meth import
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Images available via Hightail
An Iranian national is faced Downing Centre Local Court yesterday (18 August, 2025) charged over his alleged role in a failed plot to import 390kg of methamphetamine into Australia.
The man, 61, was remanded in custody and will next appear in court on 15 October, 2025.
He is accused of planning and coordinating the importation of the illicit drugs sent from Iran to Sydney concealed inside crane parts, with the methamphetamine potentially having an estimated street value of more than $360 million.
AFP officers arrested the man on 17 August, 2025, after a search warrant was executed at a home in Quakers Hill, NSW.
The AFP began its investigation, known as Operation Alondra, in June 2025, after the Australian Border Force (ABF) identified a suspected detection of border-controlled drugs in a shipping consignment that arrived in Sydney from Iran.
ABF officers intercepted three shipping containers carrying yellow-coloured, metal crane structures, each of which displayed anomalies.
ABF officers conducted an inspection and deconstruction of the consignment, where they found plastic pipes and packages concealed inside the crane structures, allegedly containing a crystalline substance.
AFP forensics later confirmed the substance was methamphetamine. The AFP seized the entire consignment of illicit drugs, which was confirmed to weigh a total of 390kg.
The Iranian national arrived in Australia from Hamburg, Germany, on 25 June, 2025, before police allege he started planning to take possession of the consignment containing the methamphetamine.
On the morning of 17 August, 2025, AFP officers executed a search warrant at a property in Quakers Hill, along with a rental car hired by the man. A number of items were seized, including power tools and cutting equipment.
The Iranian national has been charged with:
- One count of attempt to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of participate in the business of importing commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to sections 307.1 and 311.4 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgan Blunden said the AFP remained focused on criminal syndicates working onshore and overseas attempting to import harmful, illicit substances into Australia.
“The AFP, together with our state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners, remain steadfast in our commitment to disrupt and dismantle alleged criminal enterprises attempting to bring destructive and illicit substances into our country,” Det Supt Blunden said.
“This is a significant seizure of a substance which could have done untold harm had it reached the community – 390kg of meth equates to about 3.9 million street-level deals, with a total street value of about $360 million*.
“The alleged method of concealment inside industrial crane components indicates a sophisticated criminal operation which required planning, resources, and coordination between parties overseas and here in Australia.
“This arrest should serve as a warning to anyone involved in this failed import attempt – we are not ruling out further arrests and we remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“If you seek to profit from the import and sale of illicit drugs, it’s only a matter of time before we’re knocking on your door.”
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said the expertise of officers who not only detect but assist in the controlled deconstruction of a consignment is an exceptionally valuable skill.
“Australian Border Force officers are highly skilled and trained to thoroughly and accurately examine a consignment – officers need to look for all the potential concealment points,” Supt Leighton said.
“Syndicates attempt sophisticated concealments within machinery to try and avoid detection and scrutiny, but our intelligence-led partnerships continue to make the Australian border a hostile place for criminals to do their dirty work.
“Let us say that our collaboration both domestic and abroad, with government agencies and industry stakeholders ensures we remain at the forefront of our mission to uphold and protect the nation’s strategic asset – the border.”
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.
* Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Drug Calculator
