More than $24m worth of methamphetamine seized at Sydney Airport

A teenager travelling from the US has been charged after he allegedly tried to smuggle more than $24m worth of methamphetamine into Australia.

A teenager has been charged after he allegedly attempted to smuggle more than $24m worth of methamphetamine, estimated to be enough for 260,000 street deals, into Australia.

The 18-year-old US traveller was stopped by Australian Border Force officers at Sydney airport on Wednesday after flying into Australia from the US.

Officers seized a total of 26kg of methamphetamine, worth an estimated street value of more than $24m, after finding more than 20 packages in plastic wrap in the man’s two suitcases.

ABF officers seized a total of 26kg of methamphetamine after finding more than 20 packages in the man’s two suitcases. Picture: ABF.

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

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

He was refused bail at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, and will next appear on July 24.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the 26kg of methamphetamine could have been broken down to an estimated 260,000 individual street deals.

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

“Our message remains clear – those who seek to inflict harm on Australians, we will find you and you will be brought before the court where you could face life imprisonment.”

The 18 year old was stopped at Sydney airport after flying in from the US on Wednesday. Picture: ABF

ABF Travel East Commander Rose Cracknell said the detection showed how some individuals and syndicates were “taking brazen risks to attempt to circumvent our borders.”

“Our ABF officers at the airport are highly skilled to observe passenger behaviours, relying on not only intelligence, but instinct to identify potential threats,” Commander Cracknell said.

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

“This should also serve as a warning for any other traveller who wishes to run the gauntlet and attempt to bypass our border controls – we will stop you in your tracks and you will be put before the courts.”

Originally published as More than $24m worth of methamphetamine seized at Sydney Airport