The Australian Federal Police has intercepted a drug haul of 312kg of liquid methamphetamine worth $100 million in an empty house near Tooborac.
Police said the illicit drugs were shipped from the United States in two black 44-gallon drums labelled ‘vegetable fluid oil’.
‘Operation Tallow’ began in July when US Homeland Security agents and US Customs and Border Protection officers at Los Angeles International Airport identified the drums of liquid methamphetamine bound for Australia.
Police in Australia and the US partnered to monitor the delivery.
The delivery, held in storage for two weeks after arriving in Australia, was delivered to the property near Tooborac on September 5.
The rural property was vacant, and whether the consignment would have been moved to another location is unknown, police said.
After the consignment was not picked up, AFP investigators executed search warrants at several locations in Melbourne and Brisbane.
The substance will undergo further forensic testing to determine the purity of the substance.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said the seizure demonstrated the importance of law enforcement partnerships in stopping dangerous drugs from reaching the community.
“Our common goal is to keep illicit drugs off our streets and prevent greedy and opportunistic criminals from benefiting from their illegal activities,” Det Supt Cressy said.
“Criminals may work hard to plan and execute elaborate schemes, but the AFP and its partner agencies work harder to detect concealments of any nature.
“We are certain there are people in Australia who know something about this importation or may have seen suspicious activity in the vicinity of Tooborac during the past few weeks.”
Homeland Security Investigations regional attaché Ernest Verina said the organisations would continue working together to identify the people responsible for the importation.
“Criminal organisations that display such a wilful disregard to our community’s safety to sell this deadly poison must be held fully accountable,” he said.
AFP investigators have spoken to several individuals, but no charges have been laid as the investigation continues.
Police urge anyone with knowledge or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.