Two Adelaide men who imported more than 14.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from Malaysia have been jailed for at least eight years.

Key points:

  • Paul Blokland and Antonio Tartaglia have been sentenced to at least eight years in jail
  • The pair were found guilty of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug
  • The court heard the methamphetamine arrived from Malaysia hidden inside 4WD winch kits

Paul Blokland, 54, was sentenced to 12 years and five months in jail with a non-parole period of eight years and 11 months, while 48-year-old Antonio Tartaglia was sentenced to 12 years and two months in jail with a non-parole period of eight years and eight months.

The pair was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug and had been found guilty by a jury.

The District Court heard the pair was involved in a “sophisticated highly organised operation” with just over 14.5 kilograms of methamphetamine imported from Malaysia, hidden inside 14 four-wheel drive winch kits.

The court heard the methamphetamine was equivalent to $4 million to $7 million in street value.

The consignment arrived at Adelaide Airport on a Malaysian airlines flight on the morning of March 5, 2019 and was delivered by a transport company to Blokland’s warehouse.

The methamphetamine was concealed inside 4WD winch kits.(

ABC News: Claire Campbell

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In sentencing, Judge Adam Kimber said he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt they would not have committed the offence without expecting significant reward.

“Not only was the methamphetamine imported from overseas it was packed in a sophisticated way,” he said.

He said despite Blokland’s denials, he was involved in the methamphetamine trade as a seller in advance of the arrival of the consignment.

“I am satisfied of that given the scales, cash counter and plastic bags located at your warehouse and the photos located on your computer and mobile phone,” he said.

“The photos show substantial amounts of methamphetamine and cash associated at least in part with past trading.”

Judge Kimber said both men were “not a candidate for leniency” and “imprisonment was only appropriate”.

He said both men have poor prospects of rehabilitation and personal deterrence was particularly important.

“The need to protect the community is very real,” he said.

The maximum penalty for the offences was life imprisonment, or a fine of $1.575 million and life imprisonment.