Two Italian nationals have been sentenced to significant prison terms in Australia following the discovery of approximately 1.5 kilograms of high-purity ketamine, a substance often used as a 'date rape' drug, concealed within soft Christmas toys. The illicit shipment was intercepted by Australian Border Force officers on Christmas Day 2023, when they unwrapped a package from Spain destined for an address in Perth.
Discovery and Investigation
Australian Federal Police revealed that border officials found the ketamine hidden inside five plush festive toys, including a Santa Claus, an elf, a snowman, and one of the Three Kings typically seen in nativity scenes. Upon detection, the AFP replaced the illegal drugs with an inert substance and allowed the package to proceed for delivery on January 4th.
Covert Operation and Arrest
The toys were delivered to a residence in the Perth suburb of Coogee. Later that same day, AFP officers executed a raid on the property, where they discovered the package opened on a table with some of the substituted drugs already removed from two of the toys. Investigators noted that one bag of the inert substance was positioned on a set of scales adjacent to a vacuum sealing machine, indicating preparation for distribution.
Legal Proceedings and Sentences
A 29-year-old Italian man pleaded guilty to attempting to traffic a commercial quantity of ketamine and dealing with money suspected to be proceeds of crime, specifically $100,000 or more. The Perth District Court sentenced him on Thursday to a maximum of six years and eight months imprisonment, with eligibility for parole after serving three years and four months.
A second Italian man received a three-year prison sentence for his involvement in the criminal plot. Both convictions underscore the serious consequences of drug trafficking operations in Australia.
Broader Criminal Network
The investigation led to the dismantling of an alleged Spanish-based transnational organised crime syndicate accused of trafficking illicit drugs into Australia. Spanish law enforcement authorities have charged several individuals in Barcelona and Ibiza, who remain before the courts overseas.
Official Statements and Public Warning
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Chwal condemned the actions of those involved, stating, 'The people involved in trafficking these kinds of hideous drugs into our country are driven by greed and have zero regard for the damage they cause.' He further warned, 'Like a lot of illicit drugs, members of the community using ketamine have no idea where it came from and what other substances it could be contaminated with.'
Ketamine, a sedative with dissociative effects that can block sensory brain signals, is known to cause memory loss, feelings of detachment from one's body, and an inability to perceive dangers, making it particularly dangerous when used illicitly.
