THE HON.

MICHAEL KEENAN MP MINISTER FOR JUSTICE

MEDIA RELEASE
25 September 2013

274kg ephedrine seizure

The Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan, today congratulated the agencies involved in the largest single seizure of ephedrine in Australias history, with the 274kg seizure hidden in a shipment of rice from India to Melbourne. The Australian Federal Police (AFP), Department of Agriculture and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACPBS), and our International Law Enforcement partners, worked collaboratively during the operation, which culminated in the arrest of three people in Australia. This is a great result it is estimated that this ephedrine seizure, which can be used to make crystal methamphetamine, could have been worth up to $200 million if it had reached Australias streets, Mr Keenan said. It doesnt matter whether it is the ingredients to make drugs or drugs in their final form, Australias law enforcement has the skills and international support to destroy criminal groups that seek to import illegal substances. One of the most important priorities of the new Coalition Government is to work closely with our law enforcement agencies to ensure they have the necessary tools to prevent organised criminal syndicates from smuggling illegal substances, amongst other contraband, into the Australian community. "I would like to congratulate all agencies involved in the excellent result of this investigation that has prevented a potentially large quantity of illegal drugs from making it into the Australian community, Mr Keenan said.

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