Aussie state police arrest 3 over drug operation worth millions

Sydney [Australia], August 18: Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) have arrested three individuals involved in the smuggling of almost 750 kg of methylamphetamine, or "ice," into the state.
The NSW Police Force announced on Thursday that the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad seized the drugs, with a street value of 675 million Australian dollars (about 468 million U.S. dollars), which arrived in Port Botany in Sydney last month.
The illegal drugs were concealed in a shipment of marble stone slabs.
Police believe the operation is linked to a criminal syndicate.
Drug and Firearms Squad Commander and Detective Superintendent John Watson said the team believed the operation was part of a highly resourced and well-equipped criminal group.
"We will be alleging the activities that these men undertook both before and after the fact indicate they were well schooled in what they were doing and aware of the risks of law enforcement," said Watson.
The three men, aged 24, 26 and 34, were charged with importation of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and are due to appear in court in Sydney on Thursday.
The strike force behind the seizure has already launched further investigations into the operations.
A past report from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission has stated that methylamphetamine has the greatest consumption of any illicit drugs and poses the greatest risks to the Australian community.
"These syndicates have no regard for the safety of others and as we've seen this week, use any means necessary to create illicit wealth and fund further criminal enterprises," added Watson.
Source: Xinhua