Three million hits of the drug ice have been prevented from hitting the streets after police intercepted a shipment of ephedrine hidden in milking machines, wall tiles and a metal canister.

The 375kg haul of the powder used to make ice was seized from sea cargo under a joint Australian Border Force and NSW Police operation.

Investigations began in March this year when Australian Border Force officers discovered ephedrine in a metal canister.

In April, another consignment arrived carrying ephedrine concealed within wall tiles.

Officers then began Operation Accinge with NSW Police to target the criminal syndicate responsible and discovered more ephedrine hidden in foil packages in milking machines.

Two people have been arrested and police estimate they’ve stopped three million hits of the drug ice from hitting the street.