Five men have been charged with drug importation offences after Federal and Victorian authorities seized up to 300 kilos of pure pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient for making methamphetamine.
Authorities allege the drug, which is capable of producing meth with a wholesale value of $42 million, was hidden in 160 washing powder boxes, among 900 others inside a shipping container following a Christmas tip -off to police.
Victoria Police acting commander Paul Naylor said the arrests were part of an investigation that began in October last year, when Operation Lingers dismantled one of the largest amphetamine factories in Victoria.
"I guess, the message from a Victoria Police perspective is that we have had a massive impact on the drug trade in Victoria," Naylor said.
"We're not naive to the fact that it is the only trade, but it's certainly is a great disruption operation."
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