Meth found in chandeliers in bust

SYDNEY: Two Iranian nationals have been nabbed by authorities following the importation of almost $190 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in chandeliers and kitchen bench tops.

An investigation began in December, when the Australian Border Force detected about 100kg of the drug concealed in a consignment of bench tops from Iran, police said yesterday.

Another three shipments were uncovered by police, including 90kg stashed in two loads of chandeliers.

All up, about 250kg of the drug, worth about $A187 million ($NZ201.8 million), was discovered in four consignments.

Australian Federal Police searched a clandestine laboratory in a Lakemba, Sydney, warehouse, as well as houses in Blacktown, Merrylands and Doonside, on January 8 and 9.

A man (30) and a woman (26) have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs and face a maximum penalty of life in prison. — AFP