Police in Australia say they have seized a record 239 kilograms of methamphetamine, a drug commonly known as “ice.”
Officials said Thursday that the drugs were seized in several raids in Sydney an Perth. They said the estimated value of the drug sold on the streets would have been more than $50 million. Officers also found a semi-automatic pistol and cash during the raids.
Four men have been detained in connection with the bust. The four suspects — two Australian, one Belgian and one Dutch — have been charged with drug trafficking and drug possession.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Kevin Zuccato said that the drug haul and the investigation represent a significant blow to criminal groups operating in Australia.
It is believed that the drugs arrived to Australia through its ports and were sent by organized crime groups in Europe.
In the past year, Australian police have seized more than 1.8 tons of drugs.
The previous largest seizure of methamphetamine in Australia was 219 kilograms made in Melbourne in 2008.
Zuccato said the strong Australian dollar makes the country increasingly attractive to international dug syndicates.
