Three Victorian men are due to face the NSW Local Court today after allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 42kg of illicit drugs into Australia on an international flight.
Australian Border Force officers intercepted the trio on arrival from Thailand at Sydney Airport on Friday afternoon, subjecting their luggage to x-ray screening before conducting a search.
Officers allegedly uncovered dozens of shrink-wrapped bricks containing a white substance inside the suitcases. Presumptive testing returned positive results for heroin and methamphetamine, with investigators alleging the haul comprised about 34kg of heroin and 8kg of methamphetamine.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the alleged attempt highlighted the brazen tactics used by organised crime.
“Australian airports are not gateways for drug importations,” he said. “Anyone attempting to conceal illicit substances and enter our country will be caught and prosecuted.”
Authorities estimate the heroin alone had a street value of about $17 million, with the potential for roughly 170,000 street-level deals. The methamphetamine is estimated to be worth a further $7.4 million, equating to around 80,000 street-level deals.
The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police, with officers arresting a 22-year-old man from Narre Warren, a 22-year-old from Berwick and a 22-year-old from Wheelers Hill at the airport. The seized packages have been sent for further forensic testing.
ABF Acting Superintendent Neil Singh said criminal syndicates routinely exploit vulnerable people in pursuit of profit.
“The Australian border is our most critical national asset,” he said. “Our officers will continue to work around the clock to ensure it remains a hostile environment for those doing the wrong thing.”
Each man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, offences that carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They are expected to appear before the NSW Local Court Bail Division.
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