US teenager charged over alleged attempt to import $24 million worth of methamphetamine at Sydney Airport

A US teenager has been charged after allegedly trying to smuggle more than 25 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia in suitcases. 

The 18-year-old landed at Sydney Airport on Wednesday when he was detained by Border Force officers.

His two suitcases were searched and more than 20 well-packaged packages were allegedly found.

Border Force said initial tests returned a suspected positive result for methamphetamine and 26kg of the drug was seized.

The quantity of methamphetamine could result in approximately 260,000 individual transactions with a total value of more than $24 million, according to federal police.

The man was arrested and charged with one count of importing a border controlled drug.

“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,” said Air Force Commander Rose Cracknell. Australian border forces responsible for eastward movements.

“This is a significant detection of methamphetamine, which will stop potential harm to tens of thousands of families.”

The US citizen appeared in Downing Center Local Court in Sydney the following day, where he was refused bail.

He will remain behind bars until his retrial on July 24.