SYDNEY, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Four men have appeared in a court in Australia's Melbourne on Wednesday charged with importing 1.3 tons of ephedrine into Australia -- a precursor chemical used to make amphetamine.
Tipped off by China's National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) as part of Taskforce Blaze, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested two 26 year-olds, a 53 year-old and a 55 year-old on Tuesday after border force officers intercepted a suspicion consignment of 65 boxes containing 260 bags of white powder which later tested positive for ephedrine.
Australian authorities estimate the drug precursor could have had the potential to make around 922 kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of approximately 691.5 million Australian dollars (496.5 million U.S. dollars).
Described as a milestone in the cooperation between Australian and Chinese law enforcement, AFP Assistant Commissioner of Organised Crime Bruce Hill said "in 2015, Australia and China took decisive action to address a common problem -- the supply and demand of methamphetamine in the region."
"Since then, the Taskforce has resulted in the seizure of more than 22 tonnes of narcotics and precursor chemicals cumulatively between Australia and China."
"The strength of this partnership is clear in operations like this, which would not have been possible without the close cooperation we have experienced in this investigation."
Echoing the sentiments of his counterpart, Jin Xiaoguo, the deputy director general of Guangdong Narcotics Control Bureau said "the success of this investigation showcases the excellent investigative work and dedication of officers working in Taskforce Blaze in Guangdong Province."
"This taskforce has become a role model for other countries, proving the most effective manner to combat transnational drug crime is through strengthened international law enforcement cooperation," he added.
If convicted of the alleged crime, the four men will each face a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
