Vic: Five arrested over three-tonne hashish bust

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2001
Vic: Five arrested over three-tonne hashish bust

MELBOURNE, Aug 14 AAP - Five Australians have been arrested after federal police in
Melbourne today found up to three tonnes of hashish hidden in shipping containers.

The hashish, or cannabis resin, was hidden among a shipment of marble tiles imported
from the Middle East which was moved through the Port of Melbourne off the container carrier
Mol Waratah, federal officials said.

Police were today dismantling the containers in the search for more contraband.

Federal Justice Minister Senator Chris Ellison said the three-tonne seizure was the
largest ever in Victoria and was among the top 10 cannabis hauls on record.

"With an estimated street value of $15 million, this seizure represents a significant
blow to the organised crime syndicate behind the importation," he said.

"No drug syndicate can afford to lose such a substantial amount of money without suffering
a major setback to the conduct of their illegal activities."

Senator Ellison said today's bust followed on the heels of the recent seizures of 1,117kg
of cocaine in Western Australia and 412kg of amphetamines in Queensland.

The five people who were arrested today will be charged with smuggling offences for
which they could be sentenced to life in jail.

They were expected to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court later today.

AAP ra/clr/ph/bwl

KEYWORD: HASHISH LEAD

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