A 66-year-old Malaysian national appeared in Sydney court after authorities allegedly found 5 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in his luggage at the airport.

The man was arrested after arriving at Sydney Airport on a flight from Thailand on 19 March. Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) selected him for further screening, where an X-ray of his suitcase indicated irregularities. A detector dog also alerted to the bag.

A subsequent search allegedly uncovered 10 bottles labelled as scented powder, which authorities claim contained methamphetamine.

Officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) attended and charged the man with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence under Commonwealth law that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Police will allege the man told investigators he had been recruited via social media to transport the suitcase from Thailand to Australia in exchange for payment. Two mobile phones were seized for forensic examination.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said the agency continued to work with border authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks, including those operating offshore and those recruiting couriers.

ABF Superintendent Elke West said frontline officers remained focused on detecting illicit substances at the border, describing methamphetamine as a highly addictive drug that causes widespread harm in the community.

Authorities have reiterated warnings to travellers about the risks of carrying items on behalf of others, noting those caught importing illicit drugs into Australia face serious criminal penalties.

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