Two men jailed over 100kg MDMA importation

On 7 November 2019, Richard Ham (21) and Soo Lee (24) were sentenced in the District Court of New South Wales after pleading guilty to attempting to possess a commercial quantity of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), more commonly known as ‘ecstasy’.

Mr Ham was sentenced to 6 years 9 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 4 years. Mr Lee was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 5 years.

On 21 March 2018, Australian Border Force officers examined an air cargo consignment from the Netherlands, purporting to contain high pressure water filters, and found more than 100 kilograms of pure MDMA.

Mr Lee was arrested while attempting to collect the shipment from a warehouse. Mr Ham was arrested at his home.

The CDPP’s Deputy Director for Illegal Imports and Exports, Mark de Crespigny, said the operation involved a very large quantity of MDMA.

“The quantity of this importation was significant, and the fact these two men were undertaking the operation for monetary gain to pay off gambling and drug debts,” he said.

“The sentences imposed today send a clear message of deterrence to the public, and highlight the effectiveness of the cooperation between law enforcement agencies. We work closely with our partners to develop strong briefs of evidence that lead to successful prosecutions in court.”

Mr de Crespigny commended the efforts of Australian Border Force, the Australian Federal Police and Federal prosecutors, who worked closely together to bring the offenders to justice.

Summary of charges:

Ham:

• 1 x Attempt to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, contrary to s307.5(1) by virtue of s11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth)

Lee:

• 1 x Attempt to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug, contrary to s307.5(1) by virtue of s11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth)

CDPP Media contact: media@cdpp.gov.au or 02 6206 5708.