British man charged over meth in luggage
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.
A 48-year-old man from the United Kingdom is expected to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today to answer a charge of attempting to import approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine through Sydney International Airport.
The man arrived on a flight from Bangkok on Wednesday morning (13 February 2019) and was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
ABF officers noted the man’s suitcase was unusually heavy when empty, and a subsequent X-ray revealed anomalies in its lining.
Further inspection of the lining revealed a white powder concealed within it. Preliminary testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
Further forensic testing will be undertaken by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to determine the exact weight and purity of the substance. It is estimated the powder could weigh approximately three kilograms.
AFP officers arrested the man and charged him with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333
ABF Media: (02) 6264 2244