Chinese youth, 17, living in Perth jailed over massive attempted drug importation following AFP investigation

A 17-year-old Chinese national has been jailed for six years for his involvement in a failed plot to import a massive amount of methamphetamine into Australia and sell it in WA. The teenager was sentenced in Perth Children’s Court on December 11 to six years and seven months in prison for his role in a scheme to bring in 5.4kg of methamphetamine concealed in stone statue pedestals. The Australian Federal Police charged the 17-year-old in June last year after an investigation that also involved Hong Kong authorities and Australian Border Force. The investigation was launched after ABF officers in Sydney intercepted a consignment from Hong Kong found to contain 6kg of cocaine. On June 17, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department intercepted packages of illicit drugs hidden inside four stone statue pedestals being sent to an address in East Perth. The packages were later found to contain 5.42kg of methamphetamine. The AFP raided an East Perth apartment where the teenager was living and found evidence that linked him to drug distribution, including scales, clip seal bags and a package in the fridge containing more than 850 grams of methamphetamine. The youth pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and one count of trafficking a marketable quantity of methamphetamine. He will be eligible for parole after three years. 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,” he 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,” he 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.”