The Australian Customs officers at Sydney foiled an attempt to import approximately four kilograms of pseudoephedrine tablets through the international post in a parcel arrived from India. Pseudoephedrine is a precursor chemical commonly used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. The seized tablets are believed to contain up to one kilogram of pure pseudoephedrine. This could have been converted into street-ready methamphetamine worth up to $1.5 million. Customs investigations began when officers at the Sydney International Mail Centre examined a parcel from India. The tablets were concealed in 47 bottles of 'Himalaya pure herbs.' Field tests indicated the presence of pseudoephedrine. As a result of the detection, Customs investigators last week executed search and seizure warrants on a Dandenong North property in Victoria. Several persons are assisting Customs with their inquiries. Customs National Director (Enforcement and Investigations) said that Customs was continuously targeting attempts to illegally import precursor chemicals into the country. The drugs were concealed within professional packaging which indicates a sophisticated attempt to beat border controls. The maximum penalty for importing a commercial quantity of pseudoephedrine is twenty five years imprisonment and/or $550,000.

Precursor chemical importation detected in a concealed parcel, prompting criminal investigation and enforcement action. Australian Customs detected pseudoephedrine tablets concealed as herbal products in an international parcel; field tests indicated the controlled precursor commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. The concealment in professional packaging prompted investigative measures including search and seizure warrants and inquiries of persons connected to the consignment, reflecting enforcement priorities against clandestine importation of precursor chemicals and exposure to significant criminal penalties for importing commercial quantities.