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More than 35kg of methamphetamine has been seized at Brisbane Airport by the Australian Border Force after it was found hidden in luggage, officers have said.
The ABF officers stopped a man aged 62 for a baggage examination after he arrived at Brisbane Airport on an international flight from Los Angeles on 5 September this year.
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The officers allegedly located 12 plastic sealed bags containing a white crystallised substance in the man’s suitcases. Presumptive testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with an estimated total weight of 35kg.
Australian Federal Police officers arrested the man and seized the illicit drugs.
He was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Shane Scott said, despite repeated warnings, AFP and ABF continued to identify people attempting to smuggle illicit drugs through our airports.
“I want to reiterate our borders at airports are patrolled actively and diligently by the AFP and ABF to target illegal drugs coming into the country,” Det a/Supt Scott said.
“This seizure could have equated to 17,500 individual street-level deals of 0.2 grams, with an estimated street value of $11.4 million now no longer destined for the pockets of criminals.
“The AFP and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our mission to protect Australians from illicit drugs.”
The Gold Coast man was expected to appear before Brisbane Arrest Court earlier this month, charged with allegedly trying to import about 35kg of methamphetamine into Australia hidden in his luggage.
ABF Commander Operations Queensland Troy Sokoloff said the seizure showed the effectiveness of ABF’s intelligence-led targeting and the vigilance of ABF officers at the border.
“Methamphetamine destroys lives and families, and this seizure sends a strong message to those who attempt to smuggle drugs into Australia – you will be caught,” Commander Sokoloff said.
“Working together with the AFP, the ABF is committed to protecting the Australian community by keeping these harmful substances off our streets.”
