7 people have been arrested over a $31 million 166kg drugs haul bound for Melbourne, including ecstasy, hidden in foot spas and massage chairs.

7 people have been arrested over a $31 million 166kg drugs haul bound for Melbourne, including ecstasy, hidden in foot spas and massage chairs.The new arrests come after American authorities seized drugs worth more than $31 million hidden in a consignment of foot spas and massage chairs. US agents found and removed 93kgs of ecstasy, 46kgs of cocaine and 27kgs of methylamphetamine - or ice - from a shipping container en route from Canada to Australia in May. The consignment, minus the drugs, was allowed to carry on to Melbourne, where AFP agents and customs officers monitored its arrival. Federal police then tracked the consignment to an address in Sunshine, in Melbourne's west, before arresting the seven people - including three from Sydney, three from Melbourne and a Canadian national - in Sunshine, Laverton, Brooklyn and Footscray on Saturday. The arrests follow a similar seizure of drugs also hidden in a consignment of foot spas in Melbourne last month.
AFP national manager border and international Tim Morris said the latest arrests were a significant result. “The range of illegal commodities within this consignment and the work of the US authorities highlight the organised nature of international drug smuggling and the priority it is given by the AFP and law enforcement internationally,'' assistant commissioner Morris said. “This seizure has saved the Australian community more than $48 million in associated health and social costs and the AFP will continue to work with its partners in Australia and around the world to combat the trade in illicit narcotics.'' The seven people arrested are expected to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court today charged with attempting to import the drugs. If convicted, each could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a $825,000 fine.