A South Australian man is scheduled to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court today (12 February, 2026) after allegedly attempting to import 60 grams of ketamine into Australia, hidden inside a suitcase.
The man, 60, arrived at Adelaide Airport on 4 February, 2026, on an international flight.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the man for a baggage examination and allegedly located three vials of liquid stored in his toiletries bag.
ABF presumptive testing returned a positive result for ketamine, with an estimated weight of 60 grams.
The matter was referred to the AFP for investigation, and the man was arrested at the scene.
The AFP charged the man with one count of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
AFP Acting Inspector Dan Finley said the strength of the AFP's cooperation with law enforcement partners demonstrated a shared commitment to ensuring Australia remained a hostile environment for criminal syndicates.
"Ketamine is a dangerous sedative; its dissociative effects block sensory brain signals and can cause memory loss, feelings of being detached from one's body and the inability to perceive dangers," a/Insp Finley said.
"All illicit drugs destroy communities, families and lives. The AFP, ABF and other partners remain focused on preventing any form of drug, no matter the quantity, from entering the Australian community and causing widespread harm."
ABF Inspector Mark Vaughan said the ABF used intelligence-targeted screening, as well as officer intuition to identify and intercept high-risk travellers and cargo.
"Illicit drugs pose significant risks to the health and safety of users and their community, no matter the quantity," Insp Vaughan said.
"Our message is clear - the Australian border is not a soft target. If you try to import dangerous substances like ketamine, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted."
