Today's sentencing of the fourth and final shore party member of the Pong Su who was convicted over the illegal importation of heroin into Australia brings to a close this major case, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison said.

Wee Quay Tan, the last person to be sentenced, was charged with Aid an Abet the Importation of a Prohibited Import and today received a 24 year maximum imprisonment.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into the illegal importation of 150 kilograms of heroin into Australia in 2003 via a North Korean vessel - the Pong Su - was extensive and complex.

"I congratulate the AFP for their efforts in preventing such a large amount of heroin from reaching Australia's streets," Senator Ellison said.

"The impact of having more than $100 million worth of heroin in the community would have devastated individuals and families."

The sentencing of the four shore party members - all who received more than 20 year maximum prison terms - should send a clear message to anyone who is considering attempting to illegally import drugs into Australia.

The vessel, which was found to be linked to the importation of the heroin, was destroyed earlier this year.

"The convictions and subsequent sentencing of these men is a credit to all the agencies involved. I commend the AFP, Customs, the ADF, and those state police forces involved in the chase of the Pong Su, the arrest of those involved and their subsequent prosecution. It was an excellent example of co-ordinated law enforcement," Senator Ellison said.

Media inquiries:
Duncan Bremner (Senator Ellison's office) 0409 003 084