It will be alleged on 1 July 2022, the man arrived in Perth from New South Wales. On 2 July 2022, he hired a vehicle and parked it on Hurlingham Street in South Perth.
It will be further alleged the man left a duffel bag inside the vehicle containing approximately 25 kilograms of Methylamphetamine, before departing Perth on 3 July 2022 to New South Wales.
On 6 July 2022, four other men - aged 33, 28, 28 and 24 years - were involved in collecting the illicit drugs from the parked vehicle in South Perth. Shortly after, police arrested the four men in East Perth and seized the approximately 25 kilograms of Methylamphetamine.
On 9 July 2022, it will be alleged the 33-year-old man departed Australia. In October 2024, he was arrested by the Royal Thai Police after attempting to enter Bangkok, Thailand.
Following assistance from the Australian Federal Police, who liaised with Thai authorities, the man was successfully extradited to Perth on Thursday, 19 March 2026.
He has been charged with one count of 'Supplied a Prohibited Drug (Methylamphetamine)' and is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, 19 March 2026.
The four other men were all charged with serious drug offences and have since been sentenced to terms of imprisonment.
Detective Acting Superintendent Anna Shaw, Serious and Organised Crime Division, said this successful extradition reinforces the WA Police Force's ongoing commitment to identifying and apprehending those involved in serious organised crime.
"This extradition should serve as a warning to anyone considering selling or supplying illicit products in this state. We will be relentless in our efforts to bring you to justice, no matter how much time has passed.
"We continue to work closely with our national and international partners, and in this matter, we would like to thank the Royal Thai Police for their assistance. We will continue to use our improved capability to identify offenders who choose to run the gauntlet by transporting prohibited drugs.
"WA Police will continue to make this state a hostile environment for those who wish to inflict harm in our community."
Australian Federal Police Commander of Asia, Erica Merrin, said the AFP was proud to support WA Police in their efforts to protect the community.
"People allegedly involved in criminal activity should not think that being overseas puts them out of reach of Australian law enforcement.
"The AFP has strong, long-standing relationships with law enforcement agencies globally and is always working behind the scenes with local and international partners to ensure that there is no safe place in the world for people to hide if they are committing crimes that harm Australians.
"We want to acknowledge the assistance of authorities in multiple countries to disrupt the movements of this alleged offender and help ensure he could be put before the courts in Australia."
Members of the community who hold information relating to the trafficking or distribution of illicit drugs are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
