An Indian national appeared in Parramatta District Court yesterday after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly uncovered a major attempt to import 166kg of pseudoephedrine into Australia via Port Botany.

The consignment, which arrived from India in early May 2026 and was declared as a food product, was flagged by ABF officers after anomalies were detected in three pallets.

A subsequent inspection allegedly revealed multiple pouches containing a white powder that tested positive for pseudoephedrine, a border-controlled precursor used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Authorities allege the seizure totalled about 166kg, with an estimated street value of $5.6 million.

On 11 May, ABF investigators conducted a managed delivery of the shipment to a storage unit in Parramatta. Three days later, a man was arrested while allegedly attempting to collect the consignment.

He has been charged with importing a border-controlled precursor under section 307.11(3) of the Criminal Code (Cth), an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.

A follow-up search of his hotel on 15 May allegedly uncovered three mobile phones, a laptop, and business documents.

ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said the seizure demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led border operations, describing pseudoephedrine as a key ingredient in methamphetamine production that fuels serious drug harm in Australian communities.

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