DRUGS WITH AN estimated street value of over half a billion Australian dollars has been seized by Australian police and customs officers.

Over half a tonne of drugs – including 306 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 252 kg of heroin – were seized in Sydney following a tip-off from the US Drug Enforcement Administration and a year-long investigation into the import of illegal drugs to Australia.

It is the largest seizure of crystal meth in Australian police history, and its third-largest heroin seizure.

Seven people were arrested during the operation and are expected to appear in court in Sydney today.

According to a police statement, four of those arrested are from Hong Kong, while three were Australian-based members of an international drugs syndicate.

Australian authorities say that the drugs were discovered among a shipment of terracotta pots on 19 July and that the court will hear that the seven men were arrested while attempting to take possession of the drugs.

If convicted of the drugs charges, the men face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.