CANBERRA, ACT, March 25 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
This is a joint media release between Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor's note: Images of the seized drugs are available via Hightail
A NSW man is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court today (25 March, 2026) charged with allegedly attempting to import a commercial quantity of heroin into Australia.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the 26-year-old man for a baggage examination after he arrived at Sydney Airport on an international flight from Bangkok, Thailand, on 24 January, 2026.
During an examination of his suitcase, ABF officers located 25 small vacuum sealed bags, two medium vacuum sealed bags, and seven large vacuum sealed bags that all contained a white powder alleged to be heroin. The substance had an estimated total weight of about 20kg.
If this amount of heroin had reached the Australian community, it would have had an estimated street value of about $10 million, with the potential for about 100,000 street deals.
The ABF reported the matter to AFP investigators, who charged the man with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The man first appeared in NSW Bail Division Court on 24 January, 2026, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (25 March, 2026).
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP worked closely with the ABF to stop illicit drugs from reaching Australian communities.
"We allege this importation involved a significant quantity of illicit drugs and it highlights the determination of organised crime groups to exploit international travel pathways for profit," Det Supt Blunden said.
"The AFP, alongside the ABF, remains focused on identifying, intercepting and dismantling criminal networks seeking to cause harm by importing drugs into Australia.
"For anyone considering involvement in drug importation, the consequences are severe. These offences carry the potential of life imprisonment, and those involved can expect to be identified, arrested and brought before the courts."
ABF Superintendent Elke West said ABF officers were the first line of defence in detecting illicit drugs at the border.
"Our officers remain vigilant, protecting our borders every hour of every day to keep harmful substances - like heroin - out of Australia," Supt West said.
"No matter how criminals attempt to conceal illicit substances, our well-trained officers are equipped with the skills, intuition, and innovative technology needed to detect and disrupt these attempts.
"The ABF continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners, including the AFP, to ensure illicit drugs don't reach our communities."
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
* For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.* Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling.* For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
