Taiwanese man charged for alleged wine bottle meth smuggle attempt at Sydney Airport

Wine bottles, herbal tea and bath salts have been allegedly used to try and smuggle more than 20kg of meth through Australia’s busiest airport.

A man has been charged after allegedly trying to smuggle 20 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia in his carry on luggage.

The 27-year-old Taiwanese national was arrested coming off a flight from Thailand on March 19.

Authorities alleged 21.2kg of meth was concealed in wine bottles, herbal tea and bath salts, which had been packed into the man’s luggage.

Australian Border Force examined his bags, called the Federal Police and he was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

Wine bottles allegedly containing methamphetamine, seized at Sydney Airport this month. Picture: Supplied

The man appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on March 20 and was refused bail. He is expected to reappear in the same court on May 15.

The man faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if found guilty of the charge.

A Border Force Commander said transnational drug syndicates were continually coming up with new ways to try and smuggle drugs.

Australian Border Force said syndicates use the cover of food and drink products to smuggle narcotics. Picture: Supplied

AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Morgen Blunden said despite the risks involved, people were being arrested attempting to bring illicit drugs into the country through airports.

“No matter how elaborate or creative the attempts are, the AFP and our partners are working tirelessly to prevent airports being used as part of the criminal supply chain.”

ABF Travel East Commander Rosemaree Cracknell said the guise of legitimate food and alcohol was one of the ways syndicates tried to smuggle.

Evidence seized from the Taiwanese national on March 19. Picture: Supplied

“Our ABF officers are exceptionally skilled to identify and question travellers who may be attempting to import illicit substances into our country,” Ms Cracknell said.

“Methamphetamine continues to destroy Australian families, the ABF will continue to work with our state and federal partners to stop this dangerous illicit drug from crossing the border.”

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Originally published as Taiwanese man charged for alleged wine bottle meth smuggle attempt at Sydney Airport