Geraldton: Some of the 1.2 tonnes of methamphetamine commonly known as "ice" are seen after being offloaded from a boat. — AFP SYDNEY, Dec 22 (BBC): Australian police have arrested eight men over the nation's largest ever seizure of the drug methamphetamine.
The haul, estimated to have a street value of A$1bn (£600m; $800m), was uncovered when police raided a dock in Western Australia, authorities said.
Police have charged the men, each of whom faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice, has been described as the most damaging illicit drug in Australia.
The 1.2-tonne (2,650lb) bust was larger than the previous record seizure, made in Melbourne in April.
"We are very pleased that 12 million hits of methamphetamine will be off the streets over the Christmas [and] new year period," said Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.
Six men were arrested at a dock near the city of Geraldton, while two were arrested in Perth. All are Australians aged between 33 and 52.
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