SYDNEY, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Three men have been charged over an alleged attempt to import almost 600 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in rolls of fabric into Australia, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) said on Wednesday.
The three men, aged 22, 24 and 28, were arrested in Brisbane on Monday and have been charged with one count each of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported controlled drug.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The illicit drugs were allegedly found inside a sea cargo consignment that arrived in Brisbane from Thailand on July 4.
Forensic testing conducted by the ABF found that the shipment contained 597 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth 555 million Australian dollars (362.2 million U.S. dollars), wrapped inside 200 rolls of fabric.
During a search of a warehouse in Brisbane's northern suburbs and two vehicles, police also found and seized cash, four mobile phones and tools suspected to be used in accessing the methamphetamine.
ABF Acting Assistant Commissioner James Copeman said in a statement that the concealment of the drugs was "incredibly sophisticated."
"The sheer volume of methamphetamine hidden within legitimate-looking fabric rolls speaks to the lengths criminal syndicates will go to," he said.
An investigation into the criminal syndicate is ongoing. ■
