Media Release
QLD man charged after 35kg of meth allegedly located in luggage at Brisbane Airport
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Images of the seizure available via Hightail.
A Gold Coast man is expected to appear before Brisbane Arrest Court today (6 September, 2025) charged with allegedly trying to import about 35kg of methamphetamine into Australia hidden in his luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the man, 62, for a baggage examination after he arrived at Brisbane Airport on an international flight from Los Angeles yesterday (5 September, 2025).
ABF officers allegedly located 12 plastic sealed bags containing a white crystallised substance in the man’s suitcases. Presumptive testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with an estimated total weight of 35kg.
AFP officers arrested the man and seized the illicit drugs.
He 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).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective acting Superintendent Shane Scott said despite repeated warnings, AFP and ABF continued to identify people attempting to smuggle illicit drugs through our airports.
“I want to reiterate our borders at airports are patrolled actively and diligently by the AFP and ABF to target illegal drugs coming into the country,” Det a/Supt Scott said.
“This seizure could have equated to 17,500 individual street-level deals of 0.2 grams, with an estimated street value of $11.4 million now no longer destined for the pockets of criminals*.
“The AFP and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our mission to protect Australians from illicit drugs.”
ABF Commander Operations Queensland Troy Sokoloff said the seizure showed the effectiveness of ABF’s intelligence-led targeting and the vigilance of ABF officers at the border.
“Methamphetamine destroys lives and families, and this seizure sends a strong message to those who attempt to smuggle drugs into Australia – you will be caught,” Commander Sokoloff said.
“Working together with the AFP, the ABF is committed to protecting the Australian community by keeping these harmful substances off our streets.”
*Source: ACIC Illicit 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.
