Australian Police Help Stop 700kg Of MDMA From Getting To Schoolies In Brisbane

Australian Federal Police have helped their Dutch counterparts stop a massive haul of drugs from getting to Brisbane.

Around 850 kilograms of MDMA was seized during raids in the Netherlands and Belgium, with officers discovering 700kgs was destined to Australia's shores.

Channel 9 reports the shipment was meant to arrive at the same time as thousands of kids party in Brisbane and the Gold Coast for the annual Schoolies.

The Australian Federal Police have released a statement, saying: "These search warrants uncovered concealed laboratories and 50 tonnes of precursor chemicals for the production of MDMA.

"It will be alleged in total authorities seized approximately 850kg of crystalline MDMA, with an estimated street value of AUD $170 million. This quantity of drugs had the potential to be made into approximately 8.5 million MDMA tablets in Australia.

"NPN officers from the Criminal Investigation Division also seized 548 litres of MDMA oil, which is capable of producing approximately 658kg of crystalline MDMA, with an estimated street value of AUD $131.6 million and approximately 400 litres of precursor chemicals.

AFP

"This quantity of drugs and precursor chemicals has the potential to be made into approximately 6.58 million MDMA tablets in Australia and a further 180kg of methamphetamine."

Two key players, a Dutchman and a man from Belgium, have been arrested and are awaiting trial in the Netherlands. Closer to home, a 48-year-old woman has been arrested by police in Sydney and charged with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.

She's now facing life imprisonment.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw was pleased with the cooperation between AFP authorities and their European counterparts.

"The AFP is committed to working closely with its law enforcement partners here in Australia, through partnerships such as the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, and overseas to ensure offenders face considerable consequences for their actions," Commissioner Kershaw said.

"I wish to thank our Dutch counterparts for their expert involvement in this investigation and strong support of our efforts to keep these drugs off Australian shores."

Topics: News, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie