News Centre

This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force

An East Melbourne man is expected to appear before Sydney Downing Centre Local Court today (18 December, 2024) charged with attempting to possess 12kg of methamphetamine imported into NSW from the USA.

The AFP investigation began in September, 2024 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected a consignment allegedly containing more than $11 million worth of methamphetamine labelled as hospital bed sheets.

The man, 20, was arrested by AFP officers on 24 October, 2024, when he allegedly attempted to collect the consignment from an address in Padstow, NSW.

He was charged with:

• Attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.5(1) by virtue of section 11.1(1), of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment; and
• Possessing identification information and intending to use the information to engage in conduct that constitutes an offence, contrary to subsection 372.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is three years' imprisonment.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Emmanuel Tsardoulias said drug trafficking syndicates would try a variety of methods to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia because of the profits they could make.

"The devastating impact methamphetamine has on individuals and their families is well known – that's why the AFP and our law enforcement partners are committed to stopping this drug from reaching our community whenever we can," Det A/Supt Tsardoulias said.

"This amount could have accounted for about 120,000 individual hits, had it reached Australian streets."

ABF Superintendent Asha Patwardhan said ABF officers were always on alert to spot abnormalities within consignments.

"The detection capabilities of ABF officers at all entry points to Australia – whether it be air, sea, or mail – continues to disrupt illicit drug importation," Supt Patwardhan said.

"Technology, officer intuition and shared intelligence are all critical components that support investigation and court proceedings, as ABF officers work alongside our partner agencies daily to stop this insidious drug from crossing our borders."

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.