Media Release
SA man charged over alleged involvement in 62kg cocaine importation
This is a joint release between the AFP and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Images of the seizure available via Hightail.
The AFP has charged a South Australian man for his alleged involvement in a plot to import 62kg of cocaine into Australia concealed in mechanical equipment.
The man, 29, is expected to appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 1 October, 2025, after being charged on Monday (7 July, 2025).
In February 2025, using risk-based targeting, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney container examination facility searched a consignment addressed to a business in Adelaide.
ABF officers allegedly found 62 individually wrapped packages of powder, each weighing about 1kg, hidden in the cavity of a mechanical wheel-balancing machine.
Presumptive testing of the powder allegedly indicated the presence of cocaine and ABF officers alerted the AFP.
The AFP seized the packages and started an investigation.
On 24 February, 2025, the AFP executed a search warrant at a business premises in the Adelaide suburb of Magill, where they seized alleged evidence relating to the importation.
Analysis of the seized items and materials led the AFP to arrest the Adelaide man on Monday.
The man was charged with the following offences:
- One count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Each of these offences carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Melinda Adam said strong and effective partnerships with local, domestic and international law enforcement agencies were critical to combat transnational serious organised crime (TSOC).
“The AFP is committed to protecting Australian lives, livelihoods and Australia’s way of life. Drug crime results in significant harm to the health, safety, financial and physical security of the Australian community,” Det Supt Adam said.
“Criminals involved in the illicit drug trade are motivated by greed and are callous to the devastation caused by their insidious trade.
“This seizure, with an estimated street value of $20.1 million, has stopped a potential 310,000 individual street deals* from hitting our streets and causing significant harm to our communities and economy.”
Across Australia in 2021-22, there were more than 1300 cocaine-related hospitalisations – more than three a day on average.**
ABF acting Superintendent Reilly Farrell said every detection of illicit drugs was a step towards safer streets and stronger communities.
“Given the extensive experience and expert capabilities of ABF officers, there is no clever way to import drugs into Australia,” Superintendent Farrell said.
“The ABF is at the frontline, protecting Australia's border from criminal acts and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to make sure their plans are thwarted."
*Source: ACIC Illicit Drug Calculator
**Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report
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.
