A Malaysian-national is set to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (20 March, 2026) after allegedly attempting to import 5kg of methamphetamine into Australia.
The man, 66, arrived at Sydney Airport yesterday (19 March, 2026), on an international flight from Thailand.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers identified the man and sent him for a baggage examination, with x-ray screening of his suitcase suggesting anomalies in it. An ABF detector dog gave a positive reaction to the luggage, and a subsequent baggage search located 10 bottles, labelled as scented powder, each allegedly containing methamphetamine.
AFP officers responded and subsequently charged the man with one count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border‑controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP investigators seized the man's two mobile phones for forensic examination. It will be alleged the man told police he was recruited through social media to courier the suitcase from Thailand to Australia in exchange for payment.
He was refused bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (20 March, 2026).
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said the AFP continues to work closely with partners like ABF to ensure dangerous drugs never reach Australian communities.
"The AFP continues to target every level of these criminal networks - from organisers offshore to the individuals recruited to act as couriers," Det-a/Supt Robinson said.
"Five kilograms of methamphetamine has the potential to cause significant harm to the community. Every kilogram we seize represents lives protected and harm prevented.
"Anyone considering transporting items for people they do not know, or agreeing to suspicious travel arrangements, should understand they may be putting themselves at serious legal risk. If you are caught carrying illicit drugs into Australia, you will be arrested and charged."
ABF Superintendent Elke West said methamphetamine was an incredibly destructive, highly-addictive drug that rips apart families and causes untold harm in our communities every day.
"Our ABF officers are exceptionally skilled at identifying those seeking to bring drugs into Australia and remain committed to targeting and dismantling the supply chains that bring methamphetamine into our communities," Supt West said.
"This detection is a clear warning to all travellers who attempt to bypass our border controls - we will intercept you, and together with our law enforcement partners, ensure you are brought before the courts."
