(LAWFUEL) – Federal agents have today charged two men with trafficking ecstasy bringing to 22 the total number now charged in connection with last week’s joint Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Customs operation involving the world’s largest ecstasy seizure.
AFP agents executed search warrants on residential addresses in Preston this morning and arrested the two men, aged 26 and 30. The men will face Melbourne Magistrates Court today.
The arrests follow the detection of the world’s largest single seizure of MDMA in June last year triggering the operation which culminated in the seizure of more than 4.4 tonnes of ecstasy and 150 kilograms of cocaine.
As a result of AFP agents infiltrating the syndicate, the men were identified allegedly trafficking 11,000 MDMA tablets with an estimated street value of $330,000.
It will also be alleged that the 26-year-old man trafficked almost 2,000 MDMA tablets to an undercover agent last week.
The drugs seized throughout this operation have saved the Australian community more than $1.3 billion in associated health and social costs.
Both men were charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of MDMA, contrary to subsection 302.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The 26-year-old was also charged with trafficking a marketable quantity of MDMA contrary to 302.3(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for importing a commercial quantity of drugs is life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $825,000.
AFP and Customs would like to acknowledge the support and assistance provided from AusTrac who committed a member to the operation, Tasmania Police who assisted executing search warrants, Victoria Police, Australian Crime Commission and international law enforcement agencies throughout Asia and Europe.
