The Australian Federal Police (AFP) revealed that it has seized more than A$1 billion ($700 m) worth of meth placed in push-up bras and craft supplies imported from Hong Kong. Authorities claim that this has been the largest seizure of its kind in Australian history.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan announced on Sunday, Feb. 14 that during a successful two-month drug bust authorities seized a total of 720 litres (160 gallons) of liquid methamphetamine worth more than A$1 billion in street value. A Chinese man and three Hong Kong nationals were arrested during the operation.

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Keenan noted that criminal gangs are taking advantage of Australia's lucrative ice market. "Ice" is the street name for methamphetamine in Australia. He added that the seizure is one of the largest drug busts in the country's history.

AFP Commander Chris Sheehan said that the amount of liquid ice that was discovered could have made 500kg (1,100 pounds) of high-grade crystal meth.

Sheehan revealed that AFP and China's National Narcotics Control Commission have worked closely since November as part of the Taskforce Blaze. This group chases down international methamphetamine trafficking rings.

Initial investigations started in December last year after Australian Border Forces intercepted a shipping container from Hong Kong and found 190 litres of liquid methamphetamine concealed inside gel bra inserts.

In January, a 33-year-old Hong Kong man was arrested and charged in connection with the original seizure.

Ensuing investigations in the suburbs of Sydney uncovered more of the drug in December. AFP reportedly seized another 530 litres of drugs along with 2 kgs of crystal meth concealed inside art supplies housed in five storage units in the suburbs of Miranda, Hurstville, Padstow and Kingsgrove.

Following this seizure in the storage facilities, three more suspects were arrested.

The arrested suspects, who have been charged with importing and manufacturing commercial quantities of illegal drugs, will appear in a Sydney court next month. Each of them may face a potential life imprisonment sentence.

TagsAustralian Federal Police, Hong Kong, A$1 billion in street value of meth, Ice, AFP Commander Chris Sheehan, Australian Border Forces, Taskforce Blaze, China's National Narcotics Control Commission, Hong Kong nationals, drug bust, sydney