Photo: agent uncovering the drugs
LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH SEAPORT – Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested four Australian citizens and two from the U.S. Wednesday as a result of an alleged U.S.-based transnational crime syndicate’s record-making mixed-load drug shipment. Weighing in at over 1.7 tons, the seized mixed-narcotic load of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine was seized January 11th.
Described by authorities as “artfully concealed,” the drugs were enclosed in dozens of metal boxes containing speakers and declared as “Single Loud Speakers.” Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized three containers targeted for inspection at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. The shipment was destined for Australia.
The seizure yielded 3,810 pounds (1,728.62 kilograms) of methamphetamine, 55.9 pounds (25.39 kilograms) of cocaine, and 11.5 pounds (5.26 kilograms) of heroin.
An investigation was launched to find the suspects who allegedly conducted the massive shipment. The joint collaborative effort brought forth U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), members of HSI’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, and Australian federal authorities.
“This is the biggest-ever seizure of methamphetamine – more than 1.7 tons – stopped before it had a chance to reach Australian streets,” said AFP National Manager Organized Crime Assistant Commissioner Bruce Hill. “The JOCTF investigation demonstrated the effectiveness of Australian and international authorities working together to stamp out illicit drug importation, and I wish to thank our U.S. counterparts for their expert involvement in this investigation.”
“There’s no question that the criminal organization behind this scheme has been dealt a significant blow, said Joseph Macias, Special Agent-In-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles. “Along with our law enforcement partners here and around the world, we continue in a day-to-day battle against the blight of methamphetamine that continues to devastate our communities. Through a collaborative effort — pooling our information, resources and expertise – we are keeping this dangerous contraband from reaching our streets and potentially saving lives.”
