The drugs were found hidden in truck tyres in a shipment from China.
ABC The drugs were found hidden in truck tyres in a shipment from China.

Three men have been arrested following the seizure of more than 200 kilograms of methamphetamine, which is also known as the drug ice, concealed in truck tyres in Melbourne.

Victorian and the were involved in the operation this week.

The drugs, with a street value of up to $200 million, were found in a medium-sized truck destined for Melbourne that arrived at the Port of Melbourne on October 1.

"This seizure has prevented more than $200 million worth of this harmful substance from hitting the streets of our towns and cities in Australia," Melbourne-based AFP Commander Scott Lee said.

"Methamphetamine or crystal methamphetamine addiction is recognised as one of the drivers of violence in our community and for recidivist offending."

Customs had identified the shipment as high risk and upon investigation found the crystalline substance concealed in the tyres.

Graham Krisohos from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service says the discovery followed a tip-off.

"The concealment showed on X-ray but what was unusual about the truck, if you just looked at it, literally nothing," he said.

"I think that just indicates that the concealments are sophisticated and do require quite expertise and effort to actually uncover the substances."

Seven search warrants were executed on Wednesday and three men were arrested, including a 59-year-old Altona Meadows man, and two men from Point Cook.

Police say the Altona Meadows man and one of the Point Cook men were dock workers.

They have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a controlled drug and attempting to posses an illegally imported drug.

The third man will be charged with possessing a controlled drug that was illegally imported.

The offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Police believe the drugs came from China and investigations are continuing.

Acting Deputy Commission of Victoria Police Steve Fontana says the joint operations have been extremely successful.

"Over the last twelve months we've seized, through joint operations in Victoria, over 1,097 kilos of narcotics," he said.

"We've closed down many clandestine laboratories including one of the largest in Victoria, late last year which was at Sunshine.

"We've charged over 131 offenders. We've seized more than $9 million worth of assets."