Australian Border Force (ABF) officers with the assistance of NSW Police have prevented the potential production of over $240 million of methamphetamine in New South Wales. 

A year-long investigation by the ABF has resulted in the arrest of two men, the seizure of more than 300 kilograms of ephedrine and nine unlawful non-citizens being identified and detained as a result of warrant activity.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said this operation had shut down a significant criminal syndicate and sends a clear message that Australia will not tolerate those who try to import drugs into this country.

"This has been the largest seizure of ephedrine since the ABF was stood up in 2015," Mr Dutton said.

"This amount of ephedrine could make up to 240 kilograms of Methamphetamine, otherwise known as 'ice' – meaning 2.4 million hits on the street.

"These drugs would have no doubt caused untold harm to the Australian community if they were successfully manufactured.

"The Coalition Government is committed to providing the necessary resources to our law enforcement community so they can continue to target criminal syndicates attempting to bring life destroying illicit drugs into Australia.

"I would like to congratulate the hard working men and women of the ABF for yet another successful operation."

In the last 18 months alone, the ABF and its law enforcement partners have stopped over eight tonnes of illicit drugs and precursors from reaching vulnerable Australians.