Media Release
Malaysian man charged over failed plot to import more than half a tonne of illicit drugs into Australia
The AFP has charged a Malaysian man over a failed plot to import more than half a tonne of illicit drugs into Australia in July, 2024.
The man, 35, was arrested in Coffs Harbour yesterday(10 February, 2025), and charged over his alleged involvement in the importation of 421kg of MDMA pills, 120kg blocks of an illicit substance suspected to be 'pink cocaine' and 80kg of methamphetamine in a consignment sent from Italy.
The AFP executed a search warrant yesterday (10 February, 2025) on a vehicle located in a public carpark in Coffs Harbour where they seized 470 grams of pseudoephedrine and an allegedly fraudulent driver's licence.
The man, who was identified during an investigation into the drug import, was charged with:
- Two counts of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely MDMA and methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.5(1) by virtue of subsection 11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- Two counts of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely MDMA and methamphetamine, contrary to contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth)
The maximum penalty for the offences is life imprisonment.
He is expected to appear before the Coffs Harbour Local Court today (11February, 2025).
He is the sixth person charged after being linked to a syndicate allegedly responsible for the importation attempt. On 15 January, 2025, the AFP charged two Chinese nationals and a Sydney man over the failed plot with a further two Chinese nationals charged over the alleged possession of precursor chemicals.
The AFP and Australian Border Force (ABF) launched a joint investigation in July, 2024, after ABF officers found the MDMA and methamphetamine in a consignment of galvanised hooks that arrived at the Port of Melbourne.
The MDMA pills had an estimated street value of about $26 million and could have been sold as roughly one million street deals.
The methamphetamine had an estimated street value close to $74 million and could have been sold as up to 800,000 street deals.
The Australian market for Tusi, or 'pink cocaine', is not well-established, but wholesale prices of the drug cocktail are understood to be between $100,000 and $140,000 per kilogram. This means the 'pink cocaine', if sold, could have had a potential street value of up to $16.8 million.
AFP Detective acting Superintendent Rick Briggs said today's result demonstrated the extraordinary commitment and resources the AFP dedicated to combatting organised crime.
"Stopping these drugs from reaching our streets is not just a victory for law enforcement—it's a win for every Australian. This seizure and the arrests will undoubtedly prevent widespread harm to families and individuals across the country," D/a/Supt Briggs said.
"I'd like to acknowledge the dedication and tireless efforts of the officers involved in this investigation as well as our specialist areas, which bring world-leading expertise to the table.
"Their commitment to dismantling these drug syndicates makes a difference and makes the community safer. "
