The Australian Federal Police have arrested a 17-year-old Chinese citizen for allegedly attempting to traffick methamphetamine into Western Australia from China.

The investigation began after Australian Border Force officers in Sydney intercepted a delivery from Hong Kong containing several kilograms of cocaine.

This prompted Australian federal agents to share intelligence with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, who then intercepted eight kilograms of methamphetamine which was concealed inside four stone statue pedestals destined for Western Australia.

Investigators in WA executed a search warrant at an East Perth apartment on June 25 where they allegedly found a package of about one kilogram of a white substance in the fridge, which returned a positive reading for methamphetamine.

They also seized evidence at the Perth apartment that is allegedly linked to the attempted meth import, including scales and clip-seal bags, both items used for the distribution of drugs.

A 27-year-old Chinese citizen living in Hong Kong was also arrested by local authorities after Hong Kong customs seized a further four kilograms of methamphetamine and 500 grams of liquid methamphetamine.

The 17-year-old male, living in a Perth apartment, was arrested and charged with one count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and one count of trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug.

The maximum penalty for each of these offences is life imprisonment.

AFP Detective Sergeant Tom Blakeley praised the joint effort between international law enforcement agencies, which potentially prevented up to 90,000 individual street deals.

 “These drug syndicates inflict harm in every community they operate in, and this matter is another example of the strong outcomes that can be achieved through a united law enforcement front,” Detective Sergeant Blakeley said.

“Methamphetamine is the second-most consumed illicit drug in Australia, and the seizures in Hong Kong and here could have accounted for about 90,000 individual street deals”.

More than 25 Australians on average were admitted to hospital every day in 2021-22 for methamphetamine-related issues.

Detective Sergeant Blakeley declared the AFP was committed to stopping serious organised crime groups that “seek to profit from the harm they cause in our communities”.

“We are continuing to work with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department to identify everyone involved in trying to send the illicit drugs to Australia.”

Australian Border Force acting Inspector Alexandar Dzajkoski said he was proud of the diligent work of frontline officers to intercept illicit substances.

“We will always work closely with our local and international partners to block and seize illicit drug consignments, breaking the business model of criminals and preventing harm to the Australian community,” acting Inspector Dzajkoski said.