Media Release
French national charged over alleged 22kg meth import at Sydney airport
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Arrest footage and images are available via Hightail.
A French national has been charged with allegedly trying to import 22kg of methamphetamine into Australia, hidden in his luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the man, 20, for a routine examination after he arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on 20 July, 2025.
They allegedly found 22 vacuum-sealed bags containing a clear crystalline substance. Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with an estimated weight of 22kg.
The matter was handed over to AFP officers, who arrested the man and seized the illicit drugs.
The seizure has an estimated street value of more than $20 million and could have equated to 220,000 individual street deals.*
The man was charged with:
- One count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The man appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on 21 July, 2025, and was formally refused bail. He will return to the same court on 16 September, 2025.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP and ABF continued to see individuals attempting to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia in their luggage.
“The AFP is working closely with our partners at the border and overseas to disrupt these importations before the drugs ever hit our streets,” Det Supt Blunden said.
“This is not a victimless crime. The drugs these individuals carry fuel violence, addiction and organised crime in our communities. Every kilogram seized is a blow to the networks that profit from harm and a reminder that Australia is not an easy target.”
ABF Superintendent Elke West said officers’ intelligence-driven targeting allowed for swift action at the border.
“Australian Border Force officers are the first line of defence when it comes to travellers attempting to smuggle harmful contraband into Australia,” Supt West said.
“Working alongside our partner agencies, we are at the ready 24/7 to disrupt this criminal behaviour at the border, protecting members of the community one detection at a time.”
*Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Drug Calculator.
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.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
