SYDNEY, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- An estimated 300 kg of methamphetamine, worth 22 million U.S. dollars, has been seized by Australian law enforcement after it was flown from California to Sydney in a shipment of rice noodle and Asian spices.
Two men arrested in relation to the shipment have faced court in Sydney on Friday, charged with importing and attempting to possess the drugs, with both charges carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The seizure and arrests were a combined effort by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Border Force (ABF) and New South Wales Police (NSWPF).
"This drug wreaks havoc on communities and impacts all across Australia," AFP Organised Crime Manager, acting commander Peter Bodel, said.
"Stopping this importation has not only potentially saved lives, it has damaged a syndicate who will not receive profit from their illicit drug trade."
After uncovering the drugs last month, officers underwent a controlled delivery of the consignment on Thursday in order to identify its intended recipients.
Consequently, the two men were arrested and properties were searched in Sydney's outer suburbs.
ABF investigations commander Graeme Grosse said he hopes that the result "should serve as warning to anyone attempting to bring these illegal, harmful substances into Australia."
