Australian police hail huge Sydney drug seizure

Authorities have found 1.8 metric tons of methamphetamine hidden in marble tiles shipped from the Middle East to Sydney in what police describe as the largest-ever seizure of the illicit drug in Australia.

Three men were arrested after 748 kilograms of the drug were found early this month hidden in 24 containers that arrived at Port Botany, officials said.

Police estimate the meth's street value at 1.6 billion Australian dollars which reflects the higher prices that Australians pay for illicit drugs than users do in many comparable countries.

No further arrests have been made since last week's seizure. Investigators have turned their attention to identifying the overseas suppliers. The suspects have appeared in court and have been refused bail.