A New Zealand national is expected to appear in NSW Bail Division Local Court today (8 December, 2025), accused of importing 21kg of heroin into Australia hidden inside his luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the man for a baggage examination upon his arrival into Sydney Airport on board an international flight from Thailand, yesterday (Sunday, 7 December, 2025). ABF officers searched two suitcases belonging to the man and allegedly located 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.
ABF referred the matter to the AFP for investigation and the man was arrested on scene at Sydney Airport, while AFP officers also seized the packages for further forensic testing.
The man, 21, was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Aaron Burgess said the AFP, together with its state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners were committed to disrupting criminal drug supply chains attempting to traffic drugs into Australia.
"Australian airports are not gateways for drug importation for criminal syndicates - anyone attempting to conceal illicit substances and enter our country will be caught and prosecuted," Det a/Supt Burgess said.
"Organised criminal syndicates are driven purely by greed and attempt to exploit all avenues to smuggle harmful illicit substances into Australia.
"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."
Border Force Superintended Elke West said this detection is a good reminder to every passenger crossing our borders with illicit goods and substances - the risk is not worth the reward.
"The ABF uses on a sophisticated layered approach to targeting passengers at our airports for examination," Supt 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.
"Every time we intercept illicit drugs at our borders we are stopping them from reaching Australian communities. It's a great example of how intelligence sharing between our partner agencies and officer vigilance matter every single day."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
