Media Release
New Zealand national charged over alleged 20kg cocaine import through Sydney Airport
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor's note: Images of the cocaine are available via Hightail
A New Zealand national is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (3 February, 2025) charged with allegedly importing 20kg of cocaine into Australia concealed in his luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly detected the illicit drugs on Saturday (1 February, 2025) after selecting the man, 21, for a baggage examination when he arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from the United States.
They allegedly found 22 vacuum sealed packages of a white substance hidden in the man's suitcase.
Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for cocaine and the ABF alerted the AFP.
The AFP 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.
This amount of cocaine could have been sold as almost 100,000 street deals with an estimated value of $6.5 million.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Needham said the AFP worked closely with ABF and other partners to ensure air travel and airports were not used as a criminal supply chain.
“This man is the third person charged by the AFP in the past fortnight for allegedly trying to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia hidden in luggage,” Det a/Supt Needham said.
“The AFP and its partners are working tirelessly to disrupt all levels of the drug trade and stop anyone who tries to profit at the expense of our community.”
ABF Superintendent Elke West said that intuition had played a part in the decision for ABF officers to conduct a random baggage examination.
“Our officers are trained to detect changes in behaviour and body language and rely on their instincts when observing passengers,” Superintendent West said.
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.
