Two men and one woman appeared in the Sydney Central Local Court this morning charged with importing and attempting to possess 170kg of opium. All three were remanded in custody to appear again in June 2011.

Customs and Border Protection targeted a shipping container from Iran, addressed to Warrick Farm, NSW, and examined the container on 14 March at the Port Botany container facility. After an extensive physical search the consignment was found to contain illicit drugs.

The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who then took possession of the consignment, which contained approximately 170 kilograms of opium.

The AFP executed search warrants on vehicles and private residences at Villawood, Guildford and Warwick Farm on 17 March 2011. During this action, AFP officers seized a further two and a half kilograms of opium and over $8,000 in cash.

Following the search warrants these persons were arrested and charged by the AFP:

* A 35-year-old man from Villawood with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely opium contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995, by virtue of section 11.1 and the importation into Australia of a border controlled drug, namely opium, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

* A 49-year-old man from Villawood with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely opium contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995, by virtue of section 11.1 and possession of a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely opium, contrary to section 307.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

* A 33-year-old female from Guildford with attempt to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely opium contrary to Section 307.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995, by virtue of section 11.1.

It will be alleged in court the consignment of 372 cartons concealed 19 packages containing 228 glass jars labelled as tomato paste. The glass jars contained a dark brown tar substance, which tested positive to opium.

The maximum penalty for these offences is as follows:

* s307.1 life imprisonment and/or a $825,000 fine.

* s307.5 life imprisonment and/or a $825,000 fine.

* s307.6 life imprisonment and/or $550,000 fine.

The AFP is continuing their enquiries into this matter.