A joint operation involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) has resulted in the arrest and charging of two men following the interception of more than four kilograms of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) – commonly known as ‘bath salts’.
The operation began earlier this month when two consignments were intercepted by ABF officers at the International Mail Facility in Sydney after anomalies were noted through x-ray examination. The consignments were opened, revealing several bags of rock sugar containing a brown crystalline substance. The substance was tested and returned presumptive positive results for MDPV.
The matter was referred to the AFP who subsequently conducted an investigation in relation to the intended recipients of the MDPV in Queensland.
Early yesterday (Thursday 30 November) the AFP conducted an operation resulting in the arrested of 26 year old man from Ferny Hills and 24 year man from Bridgeman Downs. The AFP will allege that the men were responsible for the importation of the border controlled drug.
The men were charged with importing of commercial quantities of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth), and, attempt to possess commercial quantities of unlawfully imported border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth) 1995, by virtue of section 11.1.
This drug can induce panic attacks, hypertension and psychosis, and has resulted in violent uncontrollable behaviour by users
The men are scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today (1 December 2017).
The maximum penalty for both of these offences is imprisonment for life or 7,500 penalty units, or both.