A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to more than two years’ jail with a non-parole period of 13 months after importing almost 419 grams of ephedrine in 2016 with a street value of $80,000.
Leonidas was sentenced last week in Ballarat Circuit Court after pleading guilty to one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled precursor, one count of attempting to traffic a drug of dependence and one count of possession of cannabis.
On 11 April 2016, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers x-rayed a package in Sydney originating from New Delhi, resulting in anomalies being detected.
ABF officers examined the consignment and discovered a concealment of ephedrine in the lining of garments from within a dry cleaning bag from New Delhi.
On 15 June 2016, ABF officers with the assistance of Victoria Police executed search and seizure warrants at a rural property in Parwan, Victoria.
During the search, a clandestine laboratory was discovered and items used to manufacture methamphetamine including drug precursor chemicals and glassware with traces of manufactured methamphetamine were seized.
ABF officers also seized a number of items including a mobile phone containing details of the importation and instructions on how to manufacture methamphetamine.
Ephedrine is used as a precursor agent in the manufacture of illegal amphetamine substances, such as ice.
Assistant Commissioner Wayne Buchhorn said the ABF will continue to target individuals who have no regard for the impact they are having on people’s lives.
“Stopping these substances at the border means we’re disrupting the local manufacture of methamphetamine and preventing it from reaching the community,” Assistant Commissioner Buchhorn said.
“This result should warn individuals involved in the importation of illicit drugs, that when you’re caught you will face the full force of the law.”
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