News Centre

This is a joint media release issued by the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.

A Brazilian national was scheduled to face Downing Centre Local Court today (19 September, 2023), charged with importing 3kg of cocaine within his suitcase.

The man, 30, was stopped by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers yesterday morning (18 September, 2023) for a routine examination after arriving into Sydney International Airport from Brazil.

ABF officers detected abnormalities in the linings of two of the man’s suitcases. The two suitcases were scanned, and officers then drilled into the lining, which revealed white powder substances within both suitcases.

A presumptive test of the substances allegedly indicted the presence of cocaine and the matter was handed over to the AFP.

The man was arrested by the AFP and charged with:

• Import of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth)
• Possessing a substance, the substance having been unlawfully imported, the substance being a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, and the quantity possessed being a commercial quantity, contrary to subsection 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).

Both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

AFP Detective Sergeant Aaron Burgess said the AFP worked closely with partner agencies, like the ABF, to prevent the trafficking of illicit drugs through ports and into the community.

“No matter the quantity, the amount of harm cocaine poses to the community cannot be overstated,” Det-Sgt Burgess added.

“When individuals arrive in Australia with drugs in their possession, it should come as no surprise they will be detected and face the full consequences of the law.”

ABF acting Superintendent Allison Dee said modern, professional crime syndicates were always looking for new ways to avoid ABF border targeting capabilities.

“The Australian border is a critical national asset through which ABF officers are dedicated to protecting the Australian community from harmful drugs," Supt Dee said.

“To those who seek to profit from this type of criminal activity, our message to you is simple, you will be caught.

“The ABF is committed to protecting the community from harmful drugs, and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to prevent these substances getting into the community.”

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 online at www.counsellingonline.org.au.

• For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to www.turningpoint.org.au.

Connect with us:
Follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages to learn more about what the AFP does to keep Australia safe.