What could have been a dream date night for criminals turned out to be a sweet victory for Australian authorities after the seizure of more than $10 million of illicit drugs.

The drugs were found hidden in food and beverage packages at Sydney’s International Mail Gateway Facility by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers earlier this month.

The haul included 6.75 litres of liquid methamphetamine concealed in three boxes of cask wine; 6kg of cocaine hidden in chocolate gift boxes; and 1.5kg of cocaine, disguised as chocolate blocks.

ABF officials say the seizures have disrupted drug deals on Australian streets worth millions of dollars.

“The concealment methods criminal networks use demonstrate their brazen attempts to smuggle illicit goods into the country,” said Acting Superintendent International Mail NSW Shaun Baker.

“These consignments alone would equate to an estimated street value of more than $10 million, that’s a significant dent in the criminals’ back pocket.

“This is a sweet victory for ABF officers, ending the criminal celebrations on a sour note.”

Baker says detection technology at the gateway centre is keeping officers one step ahead of criminals.