The Australian Federal Police
Four Australians, believed to be part of a drug trafficking syndicate, have been arrested following the seizure of 66 kilograms of cocaine worth $23.7 million Australian Dollars.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) says an investigation was launched last month after officers at the Border Force (ABF) found the cocaine hidden inside four car tyres imported from Switzerland.
Border officers at the Perth cargo facility detected anomalies when they x-rayed the air cargo consignment and further examination of the Mercedes-Benz performance wheels uncovered packages of white powder stuffed in behind the rims.
Forensic specialists then replaced the drugs with a harmless substance before releasing the tyres for collection - they were couriered to a residence in Perth.
The consignment was stored in the garage for two days before a man and woman who live at the home, along with two other men, allegedly used a variety of tools and knives to cut apart the car tyres and access the black plastic-wrapped packages inside.
Police swooped in with a search warrant and made the arrests.
A couple aged 57 and 49 as well as two men, both aged 46, will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on Friday.
