US traveller arrested at Sydney with 20 methampethamine packages in suitcases

A 18-year-old US traveller is behind bars accused of attempting to import 25kg of methamphetamine into the country — in 20 see-through packages with no attempt to conceal them.

Exclusive: It was an open and shut case from the beginning.

Inside two suitcases opened by Australian Border Force officials during a routine baggage inspection at Sydney Airport on Wednesday were 20 see-through packages of white powder, in plain sight, with no attempt to conceal them.

Authorities will allege the packages contained more than 25kg of methamphetamine – enough for 260,000 street deals worth an estimated $24 million.

A US traveller is now behind bars accused of attempting to import the illegal drug into the country.

The 18-year-old man was stopped by ABF officers after arriving on board a flight from the US and Australian Federal Police officers were promptly notified to conduct further inquiries.

A US traveller has been charged after allegedly attempting to import more than 25kg of methamphetamine.

The man was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of importation of a border controlled drug and refused bail at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, to next appear on July 24.

ABF Travel East Commander Rose Cracknell said the volume seized at the border has stopped hundreds of thousands of individual street deals flooding Sydney’s streets.

The man was stopped by Australian Border Force officers who located more than 20 plastic wrapped packages, with initial testing providing a presumptive positive for methamphetamine

“This particular detection shows how some individuals and syndicates are taking brazen risks to attempt to circumvent our borders,” Commander Cracknell told The Sunday Telegraph.

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

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

The US traveller will remain behind bars, bail refused, until he faces court.

“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.”

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP worked hand-in-glove with ABF to ensure the safety of the Australian community.

“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,” Det Supt Fogarty said.

“This amount of methamphetamine could have been broken down to an estimated 260,000 individual street deals.

“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.”

Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious border-related activity through Border Watch at www.abf.gov.au/borderwatch.

Reports can be made anonymously.

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