- Teenager arrested at Sydney airport on Wednesday
- Methamphetamine worth $24 million was allegedly found
A teenager has been charged after he allegedly tried to smuggle more than $24 million worth of methamphetamine into Australia, an amount estimated to be enough for 260,000 street businesses.
The 18-year-old American traveler was detained by Australian Border Force officers at Sydney Airport on Wednesday after flying to Australia from the United States.
Officers seized a total of 26kg of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of more than $24 million, after finding more than 20 plastic-wrapped packages in the man’s two suitcases.
Australian Federal Police officers were notified and attended the airport to investigate further.
The man was later arrested and charged with one count of importation of a border controlled drug.
ABF officers seized a total of 26kg of methamphetamine after finding more than 20 packages in the man’s two suitcases.
He was refused bail at Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court on Thursday and will next appear on July 24.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the 26 kilos of methamphetamine could have been broken down into approximately 260,000 individual street sales.
“Criminal groups continue their efforts to import these insidious substances and the negative impact that illicit drugs have on the Australian community cannot be underestimated,” Detective Superintendent Fogarty said.
“Our message remains clear: those who seek to inflict harm on Australians, we will find them and bring them to court, where they could face life in prison.”
The 18-year-old was detained at Sydney airport after flying from the United States on Wednesday.
ABF Travel East commander Rose Cracknell said the detection showed how some individuals and syndicates were “taking brazen risks to try to circumvent our borders”.
“Our ABF officers at the airport are highly trained to observe passenger behavior, relying not only on intelligence but also instinct to identify potential threats,” Commander Cracknell said.
‘This is a significant detection of methamphetamine, which will prevent possible harm to tens of thousands of families.
“This should also serve as a warning to any other travelers who wish to run the gauntlet and attempt to bypass our border controls: we will stop you in your tracks and take you to court.”