A New Zealand national has been charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle 21kg of heroin hidden in his luggage through Sydney Airport.
The 21-year-old man arrived at Sydney Airport on board an international flight from Thailand on December 7 when he was selected by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for a baggage examination.
Officers searched two suitcases belonging to the man and allegedly found 21 floral-patterned, vacuum sealed bags containing a white powdery substance.
Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for heroin, with an estimated weight of 21kg.
“This amount of heroin, had it reached the Australian community, has an estimated street value of more than $10 million, with the potential for about 100,000 streel-level deals,” said AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Aaron Burgess.
The man was arrested on scene at Sydney Airport, and charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin.
This offence carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He was expected to appear in NSW Bail Division Local Court today.
Border Force Superintended Elke West said this detection was a good reminder to every passenger crossing borders with illicit goods and substances that the risk was not worth the reward.
“The ABF uses a sophisticated layered approach to targeting passengers at our airports for examination,” West said.
“This detection demonstrates that our systems, technology, intelligence sharing and human judgement all complement each other to identify high-risk travellers before they can do more harm in our communities.”
Burgess reiterated that anyone attempting to conceal illicit substances and enter the country would be caught and prosecuted.
“Australian law enforcement are united in our efforts to intercept these drugs before they can reach and harm Australian lives, along with the devastating domino effects that flow onto our health system and economy as a result.”
