Illegal drugs were found inside this water heater. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
HIGH school students are being paid by international crime syndicates to have their family homes used for drug drops.
The 15 and 16-year-olds get $300 to $500 to have illegal substances mailed to their addresses, without their parents' knowledge, and then collected later by a member of the gang.
Two Sydney teenagers from the inner-west are facing possible charges after Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers uncovered the scheme during a six-month investigation into the importation of drugs from China.
Principals from at least three inner-west Sydney high schools have also been told by officers that their students may have been targeted by crime syndicates.
"We have spoken with the parents of the students about this matter and met with the principals of the high schools to warn other students should they be approached about the serious consequences of this type of activity," ACBPS regional director NSW Tim Fitzgerald said.
"The parents have no knowledge of what is going on and don't have any criminal connections.
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The address is considered 'clean' and the criminals hope it won't raise the suspicion of law enforcement agencies.
Illegal drugs found hidden inside batteries. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
"It also gives another layer of protection for the syndicate if anything goes wrong.''
On November 14, during an operation led by the ACBPS, police executed search warrants on five properties in Sydney amid suspicions at least two teenagers had been used to bring drugs into the country.
Mr Fitzgerald said the receivers are told what day the package is going to arrive and to be at home to collect it. He said it is easy to track a package on the internet when using carrier services.
Australian Border Protection Service’s Tim Fitzgerald pictured with drugs found hidden in batteries, water heaters and punch bags. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
He said the crooks go to elaborate lengths to conceal the substances inside things like motorcycle helmets, LED lights and batteries.
One seized parcel contained 4kg of the illegal precursor substance ephedrine which, when converted into methamphetamine, has a street value of about $250,000. About 4g of ice and cash was also found.
Police had enough evidence to charge a 24-year-old man. A number of students were also interviewed about their possible involvement.
Illegal drugs were found inside this water heater. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
Immigration and Border Protection Minister Scott Morrison said: "Strengthening our borders is not just about people smuggling. There are many threats. This government will be eternally vigilant to address the challenges that present at our borders so that our borders are protected.''
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