A Mexican national is expected to appear before Downing Central Local Court today (4 November, 2026) charged with allegedly importing 50kg of methamphetamine in metal cylinders from Central America.
An AFP investigation began in August, 2026, after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected 50kg of a crystalline substance concealed within 20 metal cylinders.
The consignment had arrived from Tijuana, Mexico, via air cargo and was consigned to a Brisbane address.
Preliminary testing of the crystalline substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine. The matter was subsequently referred to the AFP, and the consignment was seized.
Further inquiries led police to a property of interest in Prestons, NSW.
A controlled delivery was conducted in Prestons on 3 September, 2026.
Police will allege the man, 43, accepted the consignment and proceeded to unpack the cylinders over several hours.
It is also alleged that the man purchased tools and electronic scales in the days before the delivery, which were suspected to be used in efforts to access the cylinders.
The man was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
He was refused bail and remanded into custody.
Investigations are ongoing, and police are not ruling out further arrests.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Amy Knox said organised crime groups were driven by profit and greed.
"Methamphetamine is a dangerous and devastating drug, and criminals have no regard for the harm they inflict on communities," Det a/Supt Knox said.
"The AFP works closely with law enforcement partners every day to detect and disrupt criminal activity before it reaches Australian streets.
"Criminals are warned the AFP and its partners have the resources and manpower to identity and unravel your illegal schemes."
ABF Superintendent Asha Patwardhan said the ABF worked closely with law enforcement partners in Australia and overseas to identify, target and disrupt criminal networks seeking to exploit Australia's border.
"ABF officers are highly skilled at identifying anomalies and concealment methods used by criminal syndicates, drawing on intelligence, advanced technology and operational expertise to detect illicit drugs at the border," Supt Patwardhan said.
"Every drug detection helps protect the Australian community from the serious harm caused by illicit drugs and reinforces the ABF's commitment to protecting Australia's border."
