SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Australian authorities discovered over $206 million (USD) worth of meth inside sriracha bottles imported from the U.S.
In September 2018, authorities established a strike force to investigate coordinated money laundering across Sydney, Australia, and the importation and supply of illicit drugs into New South Wales.
On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Australian Border Force officers targeted an air cargo consignment which had recently arrived at a Sydney freight depot from the United States.
The consignment declared to contain sriracha sauce and was examined by ABF officers when they discovered inconsistencies.
Officers discovered the consignment contained 768 bottles of sriracha, which tested positive for methylamphetamine (ice) during a presumptive test.
A preliminary forensic analysis determined the bottles contained about 881 pounds (400 kg) of meth, which has an estimated potential street value of more than $300 million (Australian) or over $206 million (USD).
After an investigation, three men were arrested and charged with attempt to possess a commercial quality unlawful import: border-controlled drug and large commercial drug supply.
A fourth man was arrested Thursday, October 31, and is expected to be charged.
Joint operation leads to four arrests after 400kg of 'ice' located in hot chilli sauce importhttps://t.co/wduYiBRqxY pic.twitter.com/WoHRv0bmCN
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) October 31, 2019
