US tourist faces charges for alleged attempt to import 26kg of methamphetamine

A US traveler will be denied bail until next month, charged after allegedly trying to import more than 25kg of methamphetamine in his luggage earlier this week.

The man, aged 18, was arrested by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers on Wednesday 29 May 2024 after arriving at Sydney Airport on a flight from the United States. United.

After inspecting the man's two suitcases, ABF agents located more than 20 packages wrapped in plastic wrap, with initial tests providing a presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

A total of 26 kg of methamphetamine was seized, representing an estimated potential street value of more than $24 million.

Officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) were informed and attended the airport to investigate further.

The man was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of importing a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

He was refused bail on Thursday in Downing Center Local Court in Sydney, with his next appearance scheduled for July 24, 2024.

ABF Travel East Commander Rose Cracknell said the volume seized at the border today stopped hundreds of thousands of individual transactions from flooding Sydney's streets.

“This particular detection highlights the extent to which some individuals and groups are taking brazen risks in an attempt 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 is a significant detection of methamphetamine, which will stop potential harm to tens of thousands of families.

“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 was working hand-in-hand with ABF to keep the Australian community safe.

“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 broken down 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 .

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