Two men have been charged after authorities uncovered a large shipment of pseudoephedrine hidden beneath the floorboards of a shipping container during a cross border investigation involving Australian law enforcement agencies.
The discovery was first made on January 23 when border officials inspecting cargo identified approximately 120 kilograms of pseudoephedrine concealed inside the container. The substance was hidden beneath the container’s flooring in what investigators believe was an attempt to avoid detection during routine inspections.
Pseudoephedrine is commonly used as a key chemical ingredient in the production of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and widely trafficked synthetic drug.
After the shipment was discovered, authorities seized the substance and replaced it with an inert material as part of a controlled operation designed to track the individuals connected to the consignment.
Investigators were later notified that the shipment had been collected on February 28. Police officers subsequently attended a property in Euston, located just across the border in New South Wales.
Two men present at the address attempted to flee the scene on foot but were apprehended with assistance from New South Wales Police officers. Both suspects were taken into custody shortly afterwards.
Specialist detectives travelled to the region the following day to carry out the extradition process. The two men, aged 38 and 50 and both from the town of Robinvale in north west Victoria, were formally charged with attempting to import a border controlled drug and attempting to traffic a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence.
Following their arrest, the men were extradited to Victoria where they were remanded in custody. They are scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 15, 2026.
The investigation continued in the days after the arrests. Police executed three additional search warrants at residential properties connected to the case, including two locations in Robinvale and another in Euston.
During the searches, investigators seized an imitation firearm designed to resemble a pump action shotgun.
Authorities say the seizure prevented a significant quantity of precursor chemicals from entering the illicit drug supply chain. Investigators believe the pseudoephedrine could have been used to manufacture large volumes of methamphetamine for distribution.
Law enforcement agencies continue to warn that organised crime groups frequently attempt to import precursor chemicals and other substances used in drug manufacturing through complex smuggling operations.
The investigation remains ongoing and police have encouraged anyone with information about drug importation or trafficking to report it anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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