Even worse than a 2.3 Uber surge. Image via

A 28-year-old Chinese national was arrested in Melbourne on August 12, charged with drug-related offences. It’s understood the man fled Sydney in a cab more than three weeks ago after police seized 90 kilograms of ice.

“Inquiries confirmed the man fled the [Sydney] CBD in a taxi, before extending the fare to Melbourne that evening,” New South Wales Police said in a statement, “which cost him nearly $4,500.”

Some of the ice seized. Screenshot via supplied video.

Police allege the man is part of an ice syndicate that was busted by Strike Force Cliftonville on July 22, when a 26-year-old man was stopped in Haymarket for talking on his mobile while driving. Searching his car, officers found three kilograms of ice.

The next day, July 23, investigators stopped a 30-year-old man in Sydney’s west. When they searched the man, who was carrying a brief case, police uncovered another 10 kilograms of ice.

The 28-year-old man arriving at Sydney Airport, escorted by police. Image supplied.

Later that day, on the same street, police arrested a 21-year-old man when they searched a home and seized $1.4 million in cash. “The three men have since been charged and their matters remain before the court,” police said.

After his arrest in Melbourne, the fourth man was extradited to Sydney on Friday where he was refused bail. He’s set to face the court again on August 13.

All up, police estimate the quantity of ice seized would’ve fetched $45 million on the street.