Three charged in Australia over alleged attempt to import methamphetamine hidden in charcoal shipment from Ghana
Australian authorities have charged three people, including a British actress, over an alleged attempt to smuggle 320 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia through a shipment of charcoal originating from Ghana.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the investigation began in April 2026 after officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) detected suspicious irregularities in two shipping containers that arrived at Sydney's Port Botany from West Africa.
The containers, declared as carrying bags of charcoal, were subjected to further screening and X-ray examination. During the inspection, officers discovered a white crystalline substance concealed within the consignment. Initial tests confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
Subsequent forensic analysis revealed the shipment contained approximately 320 kilograms of the illicit drug, with authorities estimating its potential street value at about $296 million.
Following the discovery, investigators removed the drugs and carried out a controlled operation by allowing the shipment to be transported to a storage facility in Girraween on April 20, 2026.
According to the AFP, a British woman later arrived at the facility and allegedly supervised workers as the charcoal bags were unloaded. Several of the bags were subsequently transported to a residence in Blacktown.
Investigators later raided the property and arrested the woman. During the search, police recovered 32 bags believed to have previously contained the methamphetamine, along with electronic devices and documents that have been seized for forensic examination.
The woman has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. She was denied bail and is scheduled to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on June 18, 2026.
Further investigations led police to a property in Oakden, South Australia, where a 30 year old woman and a 32 year old man were arrested on April 30, 2026.
Authorities allege the pair attempted to secure storage facilities in Sydney using false identities to facilitate the movement and storage of the drug shipment.
Both have been charged with offences relating to the use of identification information to facilitate the commission of a serious drug crime. They also face charges for allegedly failing to comply with a court order issued under Australian law.
The couple appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 1, 2026, and were remanded into custody. They are expected to return to court on September 2, 2026.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the drug trafficking network.
He noted that the seizure had prevented an estimated 3.2 million individual drug deals from reaching Australian communities and underscored the effectiveness of cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said criminal organisations frequently use sophisticated methods to conceal narcotics in legitimate cargo but stressed that border officials remain vigilant in detecting such attempts.
He added that authorities would continue working closely with partner agencies to disrupt drug trafficking operations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.