$500m of drugs in flower pots

The AFP have seized half a ton of illicit drugs and arrested seven people in their largest ever ice haul.

Part of the $500 million drugs haul that police say was concealed in 100 terracotta pots. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: The Daily Telegraph

ILLEGAL drugs with a street value of half a billion dollars have been seized and seven people arrested in Sydney after a tip-off from US drug agents.

More than half a tonne of drugs, including 306kg of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice, and 252kg of heroin, were seized in Sydney during the operation.

Seven people - all Hong Kong nationals - have been arrested. They are expected to face Sydney Local Court later Tuesday.

It is the largest seizure of ice and third-largest heroin haul in Australian Federal Police history.

The AFP also seized six kilograms of methamphetamine from a 55-year-old mans Green Valley residence.

The bust came after US Drug Enforcement Administration agents tipped-off the AFP to an international organised crime syndicate allegedly planning to import illicit drugs into Australia.

In January, Customs and Border Protection identified several people believed to be associated with the syndicate and two suspect cargo consignments were targeted.

On July 19, Customs officers at Port Botany examined a shipment of 3200 terracotta pots and found significant quantities of heroin and ice concealed in 100 of the pots.

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$500m of drugs in flower pots