Drugs worth $1.2 billion seized in Australia's second-largest drug bust

USPA News - Police in southeastern Australia have seized a massive shipment of drug with an estimated street value of more than 1.5 billion Australian dollars (US$ 1.27 billion), making it the second-largest drug seizure in Australian history, officials announced on Saturday. Six people have been charged.

A media alert from Australian Federal Police (AFP) said authorities had seized approximately 2.76 tonnes (6,097 pounds) of illicit drugs as part of a major operation. It includes 1,917 kilograms (4,226 pounds) of MDMA and 849 kilograms (1,871 pounds) of methamphetamine, assessed to have a total street value in excess of AUD 1.5 billion (1.27 billion USD). AFP spokesman Andrew Gordon said the drugs were seized in a single consignment, but details about where or when it was seized was not immediately released pending a press conference later on Saturday. Authorities said six people have been charged with serious drug importation offenses.