A NSW man is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (25 March, 2026) charged with allegedly attempting to import a commercial quantity of heroin into Australia.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the 26-year-old man for a baggage examination after he arrived at Sydney Airport on an international flight from Bangkok, Thailand, on 24 January, 2026.
During an examination of his suitcase, ABF officers allegedly located 25 small vacuum sealed bags, two medium vacuum sealed bags, and seven large vacuum sealed bags containing a white powder.
Presumptive testing allegedly returned a positive indication for heroin. The substance had an estimated total weight of about 20kg.
If this amount of heroin had reached the Australian community, it would have had an estimated street value of about $10 million, with the potential for about 100,000 street-level deals.
The ABF referred the matter to AFP investigators, who charged the man with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The man first appeared in NSW Bail Division Court on 24 January, 2026, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (25 March, 2026).
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP worked closely with the ABF to stop illicit drugs from reaching Australia communities.
"This alleged importation involved a significant quantity of illicit drugs and it highlights the determination of organised crime groups to exploit international travel pathways for profit," Detective Superintendent Blunden said.
"The AFP, alongside the ABF, remains focused on identifying, intercepting and dismantling criminal networks seeking to cause harm by importing drugs into Australia.
"For anyone considering involvement in drug importation, the consequences are severe. These offences carry the potential of life imprisonment, and those involved can expect to be identified, arrested and brought before the courts."
ABF Superintendent Elke West said ABF officers are the first line of defence in detecting illicit drugs at the border.
"Our officers remain vigilant, protecting our borders every hour of every day to keep harmful substances - like heroin - out of Australia," Superintendent West said.
"No matter how criminals attempt to conceal illicit substances, our well-trained officers are equipped with the skills, intuition, and innovative technology needed to detect and disrupt these attempts.
"The ABF continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners, including the AFP to ensure illicit drugs don't reach our communities."
