Two Sydney men are expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, 27 January, 2026) after allegedly attempting to import $32 million worth of heroin into Australia, concealed in their luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the men - aged 27 and 25 - for a baggage examination when they arrived at Brisbane International Airport on an international flight from China yesterday (26 January, 2026).
An ABF X-ray allegedly indicated anomalies within the men's luggage, prompting a search by ABF officers, who allegedly located several blue satchels containing a white powder substance in the lining of wallets, pencil cases and laptop bags.
ABF presumptive testing of the substance allegedly returned a positive result for heroin, with an estimated weight of 65kg.
This amount of heroin, had it reached the Australian community, had an estimated street value of about $32 million, with the potential for about 325,000 street-level deals.
The matter was referred to the AFP for investigation.
AFP officers arrested a Lethbridge Park man, 27, and a Tregear man, 25, at the scene.
Each of the men was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
AFP Acting Superintendent Kurt Wesche said the AFP and its partners were determined to stop organised crime groups seeking to import illicit substances through our airports.
"Criminal syndicates, which are purely motivated by greed and profit, attempt to exploit Australia's gateways at the expense of the Australian community," a/Supt Wesche said.
"The AFP, alongside our partners, are committed to exposing these syndicates and bringing them before the courts.
"To anyone lured in by the false promise of shallow riches from drug importations - these offences carry the potential of life in jail."
ABF Commander Queensland Operations Troy Sokoloff said these arrests were a win for intelligence-led targeting, and a testament to our vigilant officers at the border.
"While the vast majority of people flying into the country this Australia Day long weekend were doing so for the right reasons, this detection highlights that even during busy periods at the airport, you can expect to be caught if you try smuggling drugs across the border," Commander Sokoloff said.
"I am proud of the hard-working and dedicated ABF officers here at Brisbane International Airport. Because of their commitment, a large quantity of drugs that were otherwise destined for our streets have now been confiscated and two alleged offenders will have to answer to serious charges in court."
