SA man charged with drug smuggling after heroin allegedly found in his suitcase at Adelaide Airport

A South Australian man has been charged with drug smuggling after authorities spotted black liquid oozing from his suitcase as he arrived home from overseas.

A South Australian man has been charged after allegedly trying to smuggle heroin into the country in his suitcase.

His luggage was searched by Australian Border Force officers when he arrived at Adelaide Airport from overseas on Tuesday after a black fluid was spotted oozing from its handle.

It is alleged it tested positive to heroin with around 500g of the drug found in the suitcase.

A South Australian man has been charged after allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into the country in his suitcase. Picture: AFP

The Australian-Afghan dual citizen, 47, was charged with one count of importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled substance.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Simon Lalic said it worked closely with the ABF and law enforcement partners to find and disrupt anyone who attempted to import illicit substances into the country.

Inside the handle of a suitcase where the heroin was allegedly found. Picture: AFP

“Criminals are motivated by greed,” he said.

“They have no regard for the significant harmful impacts these illicit drugs have on our community.”

The Australian-Afghan dual citizen’s suitcase was searched by Australian Border Force at Adelaide Airport. Picture: AFP

ABF Superintendent Jody Griswood said the drug bust highlighted the vigilance and experience of officers on the front line, who were crucial in stopping harmful substances from reaching Australian streets.

“They know exactly what to look for when selecting travellers and their baggage for further examination,” Supt Griswood said.

“This isn’t an isolated case and it’s not based on luck. These successes happen across our airports every week.”

The South Australian man was charged with one count of importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled substance. Picture: AFP

The man faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday and is expected to return in September.

The maximum penalty for the offence is 25 years in prison.

Originally published as SA man charged with drug smuggling after heroin allegedly found in his suitcase at Adelaide Airport