Criminals are soaking mats and other items in opium to smuggle the drug into Australia as imports soar

Imports of opium into Australia are increasing as drug traffickers ‘impregnate’ the highly addictive substance into everyday objects to avoid detection.

Since the beginning of this year, Australian Federal Police have seized 155kg of opium in more than 125 attempted imports by air, parcel post and sea.

That’s more than double the amount seized in 2022 and roughly six times the amount discovered in 2021.

Authorities are concerned that criminal groups in Australia are using connections in the UK, India and Pakistan to obtain the illegal drug.

An Australian and Iranian man, aged 38 and 41, was arrested and charged in June after attempting to pick up a shipment from Iran containing 23 mats infused with opium.

The men were charged with importing a border-controlled substance and attempting to possess a border-controlled substance, which carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

They are due to appear in the Melbourne District Court for a second time on December 19.

Opium resin is a sticky, dark brown gum that can be consumed as a liquid or powder. and can be smoked, eaten and made into a drinking tincture.

Users are at high risk of addiction and overdose.

AFP Commander Paula Hudson said opium imports were rare in Australia and law enforcement would tackle the rising number of cases.

“The AFP, together with our law enforcement partners at state, territory and Commonwealth levels, is committed to preventing the significant harm caused to our community as a result of these illegal drug imports,” she said.

Australian Federal Police have seized 155kg of opium since the beginning of this year in attempted imports of the drug by air, parcel post and sea

“We remind criminals that we not only seize the drugs, but also arrest suspected offenders linked to the importation.

“We will remain committed to tackling your illegal activities, identifying you and bringing you to justice.”