Three people have been charged in Australia following the interception of about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a shipment from Ghana, in a seizure authorities say prevented drugs worth an estimated A$296 million from reaching Australian streets.
A woman from the United Kingdom is due to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on June 18, 2026, over her alleged role in the failed importation. She was refused 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) launched an investigation in April 2026 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected anomalies in two shipping containers that arrived at Sydney’s Port Botany from Ghana.
The shipment, declared as bags of charcoal, was subjected to x-ray screening, during which officers discovered a white crystallised substance. Preliminary tests returned a positive result for methamphetamine
According to the AFP, forensic testing later confirmed the consignment contained about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of A$296 million.
Authorities removed the drugs before allowing the shipment to proceed to a storage facility in Girraween on April 20, 2026, as part of a controlled operation.
Investigators allege the UK national attended the facility and supervised a group of men as they unpacked the container. Several bags were subsequently loaded into a vehicle and transported to a house in Blacktown.
AFP officers later executed a search warrant at the Blacktown property and arrested the woman.
Police said they recovered 32 bags allegedly used to conceal the methamphetamine, as well as electronic devices and a notebook, which remain subject to forensic examination.
The investigation later expanded to South Australia, where AFP officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Oakden on April 30, 2026. A 30-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were arrested over allegations they attempted to rent storage units in Sydney using false identities to facilitate the criminal venture. Authorities said investigations into their precise roles are ongoing.
The Adelaide-based couple appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 1, 2026, where they were each charged with dealing in identification information using a carriage service with the intention of facilitating the 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.
The pair were remanded in custody and are scheduled to reappear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on September 2, 2026.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said investigators were continuing efforts to identify suppliers and key facilitators linked to the attempted 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.”