Australia Charges Three After Intercepting 320kg Meth Shipment Worth US$208 Million From Ghana

Australian authorities have charged three people after stopping a 320 kg methamphetamine shipment hidden inside shipping containers that arrived from Ghana at Sydney’s Port Botany.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) detected irregularities in two containers declared as carrying charcoal in April 2026.

X-ray scans revealed a white crystalline substance, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.

Forensic testing confirmed the total seizure at around 320 kg, with an estimated street value of AU$296 million (US$208 million).

Authorities said the volume could have amounted to around 3.2 million street-level deals if distributed domestically.

The drugs were removed under controlled conditions and the containers were subsequently delivered to a storage facility in Girraween, in western Sydney, on April 20, 2026.

Investigators say a UK woman later went to the facility and supervised the unloading of bags from the container.

The bags were then taken to a home in Blacktown, where Australian Federal Police (AFP) later searched the property and arrested her.

Police recovered 32 bags believed to have previously contained methamphetamine, along with electronic devices and a notebook for further examination.

She has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. She was refused bail and is due to appear at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on June 18, 2026.

Further investigations led police to a property in Oakden, South Australia, on April 30, where a 30-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were arrested.

Police allege the pair tried to rent storage units in Sydney using false identities to support the operation.

They have been charged with dealing in identification information to help commit an offence, and failing to comply with a court order. The offences carry maximum penalties of five and 10 years in prison.

The pair appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 1, 2026, and were remanded in custody. Their next court date is August 2, 2026.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said the investigation is ongoing and focused on those behind the wider network.

Officials said the seizure prevented a large quantity of drugs reaching Australian streets and highlighted ongoing efforts to stop smuggling through international shipping routes.

Reference: AFP