UK citizen Saul Andrew Malcolm Sposato faces SA court accused of trying to smuggle 5kg of cocaine worth $2 million into Australia

A man accused of taking part in a failed attempt to smuggle 5kg of cocaine worth more than $2m into Adelaide has faced court.

A UK citizen took part in an attempt to smuggle 5kg of cocaine, worth $2m on the streets, into Australia but was foiled by a joint police operation, a court has heard.

For the first time, The Advertiser can name and show Saul Andrew Malcolm Sposato following his appearance in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mr Sposato, 28, was arrested by Australian Border Force and SA Police in December, when he went to collect a package.

Police allege they had already intercepted the package, however, and found 5kg of cocaine worth $2 million inside.

Saul Andrew Malcolm Sposato is accused of trying to smuggle 5kg of cocaine worth $2 million into Australia. Picture: Facebook

At the time of the arrest, police said the amount of drugs seized “had the potential to cause significant community harm”.

The package containing 5kg of cocaine worth more than $2m. Picture: SAPOL

Mr Sposato was charged with one count of trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug – on Thursday, prosecutors confirmed their case was ready to proceed.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ jail and a $200,000 fine.

Counsel for Mr Sposato said their client did not wish to plead guilty and intended to defend the charge, but also noted they had yet to enter into negotiations with prosecutors.

Magistrate Karim Soetratma remanded Mr Sposato in custody to answer the charge in June.