Minister media release
Online monitoring uncovers Pseudoephedrine Syndicate - 7 May 2010
Joint media release with Steve Georganas MP- Member for Hindmarsh
A six-month Customs and Border Protection operation involving online targeting officers has uncovered a suspected pseudoephedrine importing syndicate in Adelaide.
Customs and Border Protection officers executed four search and seizure warrants on Adelaide residential properties on Tuesday 4 May.
Several computers, mobile phones and other evidence related to the alleged pseudoephedrine imports were seized.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, said the group had allegedly imported about 35,000 tablets, which would yield around 4kg of the amphetamine precursor, pseudoephedrine.
“The sale of tablets containing pseudoephedrine is controlled in Australia,” Mr O’Connor said.
“This has reduced supply, so some people try to circumvent it by buying tablets online from overseas, usually with the aim of on-selling it to people who extract the pseudoephedrine to use to produce amphetamine.
“Customs and Border Protection monitors importations from online pharmacies and this significant seizure is a credit to the work of Customs and Border Protection’s online targeting group.”
“I’m confident this operation will make people think twice before attempting to illegally import pseudoephedrine.”
Member for Hindmarsh, Steve Georganas, said consumers also needed to be aware of possible restrictions when importing cold and flu tablets.
“Some brands of cold and flu tablets readily available for sale overseas contain pseudoephedrine. While this operation targeted individuals suspected to be importing tablets for illegitimate use, it is important for average consumers to be aware of possible restrictions when bringing such tablets into the country,” he said.
Importing 28 tablets of standard-strength cold and flu tablets (120mg) exceeds the minimum amount for the offence of importing a marketable amount of border-controlled precursor.
People convicted of the importation of a marketable amount of pseudoephedrine face a fine of up to $330,000 or 15 years in prison, or both.
As a result of the raid South Australia Police also charged a 40-year-old man with cultivating cannabis for sale, possessing a dangerous article and possessing prescribed equipment. He was bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 20 July 2010.
Further information on importing tablets is available from the Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263.
Contact: Belinda Cole 0438 595 567 or Customs and Border Protection Media 02 6275 6793