A joint Customs and WA Police operation into the import of precursor chemicals into Australia has led to the arrests of two men in Perth.

The men, aged 30 and 38, are expected to face East Perth Magistrates Court today charged with attempting to manufacture a prohibited drug (methylamphetamine).

Customs investigators are continuing to make inquiries into these detections with a view to laying additional charges.

Investigations began earlier this month when Customs officers screening international mail examined two parcels from India and Pakistan.The parcels contained 500 grams and 900 grams of a substance alleged to be ephedrine.

Ephedrine is a precursor chemical that can be diverted from legitimate use to the illegal manufacture of methamphetamines. Importing ephedrine into Australia without a permit is prohibited.

As a result of the detections, Customs and WA Police began investigating a large number of suspected scatter importations through international mail.

This investigation culminated yesterday when Customs investigators and WA Police executed a search warrant on a commercial property in Perth (28 December) where they arrested the two men.

National Manager Investigations, Richard Janeczko, said the operation was another example of how Customs and WA Police worked closely  together to detect and investigate alleged attempts to smuggle precursor chemicals into Australia.

Media inquiries:
Customs Media (02) 6275 6793