Australia Seizes Meth Shipment from Ghana Worth A$296 Million, Three Charged

Australian authorities have charged three individuals following the interception of approximately 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a shipment that originated from Ghana, in a drug seizure valued at an estimated A$296 million.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the operation prevented a significant quantity of illegal drugs from reaching communities across the country and disrupted the activities of an alleged international drug trafficking network.

Among those charged is British actress Emaa Hussen, 34, who has reportedly appeared in an EastEnders spin-off and a film starring actor Jason Statham. She appeared before a Sydney court on Thursday after being charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine into Australia.

Authorities said Hussen was previously refused bail after being charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under Australian law.

The investigation began in April 2026 when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers identified irregularities in two shipping containers that arrived at Sydney’s Port Botany from Ghana. The cargo had been declared as bags of charcoal.

During routine screening, officers conducted X-ray examinations and discovered suspicious contents hidden within the shipment. Preliminary testing of a white crystalline substance found inside the containers returned positive results for methamphetamine.

Subsequent forensic analysis confirmed that the shipment contained approximately 320 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of A$296 million.

As part of a controlled operation, law enforcement officials removed the drugs before allowing the shipment to continue to a storage facility in Girraween, a suburb of Sydney, on April 20.

Investigators allege that Hussen later visited the facility and supervised several individuals as they unloaded the container. According to police, multiple bags were then transferred into a vehicle and transported to a property in Blacktown.

Shortly afterward, AFP officers executed a search warrant at the Blacktown residence and arrested the actress.

During the operation, police reportedly recovered 32 bags allegedly used to conceal the methamphetamine, along with electronic devices and notebooks that are currently undergoing forensic examination.

The investigation later expanded to South Australia. On April 30, AFP officers conducted a search at a residence in Oakden, where they arrested a 30-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man.

Authorities allege that the pair attempted to rent storage facilities in Sydney using false identities to support the criminal operation. Investigators said inquiries into their exact involvement remain ongoing.

The two suspects appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 1, where they were each charged with dealing in identification information using a carriage service with the intention of facilitating the possession of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.

They also face charges related to allegedly failing to comply with a court-issued order under Australia’s Crimes Act.

Both suspects were remanded in custody and are expected to reappear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on September 2, 2026.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said investigators are continuing efforts to identify other individuals linked to the attempted importation, including suppliers and key facilitators operating across multiple jurisdictions.

“This operation highlights the ability of the AFP and its partners to investigate complex criminal activities across borders and disrupt organised crime networks,” Robinson said.

Authorities estimate the seized methamphetamine could have resulted in approximately 3.2 million individual street-level drug deals had it reached the Australian market.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Source: Australian Federal Police (AFP)

Also Read: Ghana Launches Diplomatic Protest Over Canada Visa Denial of Thomas Partey