Concealed in marble tiles shipped from the Middle East to Sydney, the drugs were valued at AU$1.6bn (£944.2m) by police. Three men were arrested after the substance was discovered in 24 containers at Port Botany earlier this month. Last week, another 1,060 kilograms (2,337 pounds) of the drug was found in 19 containers at the same port, similarly concealed and shipped from the United Arab Emirates. Detective Chief Constable Supt John Watson described the amount of methamphetamine as “unbelievable”. “This seizure will be felt for the next few weeks by many high-, mid-, and low-level suppliers,” he said. “I think the amount of damage that has been reduced here is significant. This seizure is the biggest in Australian history, so what we’re seeing now is the syndicate that was operating locally on our shores, they had international connections, so we’re looking closely at that.” . No further arrests have been made since last week’s seizure and investigators have now turned their attention to tracking overseas suppliers. “The Middle East region is probably our main target, but I certainly wouldn’t limit our investigation to just that region,” added Chief Supt Watson. The three men already arrested – aged 24, 26 and 34 – face possible life sentences if convicted of drug trafficking. More from Sky News: Drug users could have their passports confiscated Most prisoners who need drug treatment don’t get itHeroin: Dying in silence – podcast All of them have appeared in court and have been refused bail. Australia’s previous method record was 1.6 tonnes, which was found hidden in speakers and sent to Melbourne from Bangkok in April 2019.
