Three people have been charged in Australia after authorities intercepted about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment that arrived from Ghana. Officials say the seizure stopped drugs worth an estimated A$296 million from reaching the streets.
A woman from the United Kingdom is expected to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on June 18, 2026, over her alleged involvement in the failed drug importation.
She was denied bail last month after being charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) began investigating the case in April 2026 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers noticed suspicious irregularities in two shipping containers that arrived from Ghana at Sydney’s Port Botany.
The containers were declared as carrying bags of charcoal. However, during X-ray screening, officers discovered a white crystal-like substance. Initial tests indicated that the substance was methamphetamine.
Further forensic testing later confirmed that the shipment contained about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of A$296 million.
Authorities removed the drugs before allowing the shipment to continue to a storage facility in Girraween on April 20, 2026, as part of a controlled police operation.
Investigators claim the UK woman later visited the storage facility and supervised several men as they unloaded the container. Some of the bags were then loaded into a vehicle and transported to a house in Blacktown.
Shortly afterwards, AFP officers searched the Blacktown property and arrested the woman.
Police said they recovered 32 bags allegedly used to hide the methamphetamine, along with electronic devices and a notebook. These items are still being examined by forensic experts.
The investigation later extended to South Australia. On April 30, 2026, AFP officers executed a search warrant at a home in Oakden.
A 30-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were arrested over allegations that they tried to rent storage units in Sydney using false identities to support the drug operation. Authorities said investigations into their exact roles are still ongoing.
The couple appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 1, 2026. They were each charged with using identification information through a carriage service to help facilitate possession of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.
They were also charged with failing to comply with a court-issued order under the Crimes Act.
Both were remanded in custody and are expected to appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court again on September 2, 2026.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said investigators are still working to identify the suppliers and key people behind the attempted drug importation.
“This operation highlights the agility of the AFP and our partners to investigate complex matters across jurisdictions and stop organised crime syndicates in their tracks,” Robinson said.
“The seizure of these drugs – with an estimated street value of $296 million – has prevented a potential 3.2 million deals from reaching Australian streets and demonstrates the AFP’s ability to operate seamlessly across borders.”
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said border officers remain vigilant as criminal groups continue to use increasingly sophisticated methods to smuggle illegal drugs into Australia.
