US teenager caught trying to smuggle 26kg of meth into Australia

The largest collection of vapes since the crackdown began was seized in a single week. Up to 400,000 vapes have been banned from entering Australia on three sea shipments from Asia. The Australian Border Force has discovered illegal goods worth an estimated $12.4 million.

The teenager, aged 18, was arrested by Australian Border Force officers who inspected his two suitcases and discovered more than 20 parcels wrapped in plastic film.

Initial tests of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

The seized illicit drugs have a potential street value of more than $24 million.

Australian Federal Police officers were also informed and attended the airport to investigate further.

The 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with importing a border-controlled drug.

He was refused bail and will appear in Sydney Downing Center Local Court on July 24.

ABF Travel East Commander Rose Cracknell said the “significant” detection and seizure had prevented hundreds of thousands of individual street transactions from flooding Sydney's streets and the “potential harm” caused to many families.

“This particular detection highlights the brazen risks some individuals and unions are taking to try to circumvent our borders,” Commander Cracknell said.

“Our ABF officers at the airport are highly trained to observe passenger behavior, relying not only on intelligence but also on instinct to identify potential threats.

“This should also serve as a warning to any other travelers who wish to take up the challenge and attempt to circumvent our border controls – we will stop you in your tracks and you will be brought to justice. »

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP worked “hand in hand” with the ABF to maintain the safety and security of Australians.

“Criminal groups continue their efforts to import these insidious substances and the negative impact that illicit drugs have on the Australian community cannot be overstated,” Superintendent Fogarty said.

“This quantity of methamphetamine could have been divided into approximately 260,000 individual street transactions.

“Our message remains clear: those who seek to harm Australians, we will find you and you will be brought before the court where you face life in prison. »

Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious border-related activity via Border Watch at www.abf.gov.au/borderwatch.