News Centre

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

Editor’s note: Images of the seizure are available via Hightail.

Three men have been charged for their alleged roles in the importation of $555 million worth of methamphetamine concealed in rolls of fabric. 

The men, aged 22, 24 and 28, all from New South Wales, were arrested in Brisbane on Monday 14 July, 2025 and are expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court today (16 July, 2025). 

They have each been charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, contrary to sections 307.5 and 11.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Queensland identified and intercepted a sea cargo consignment from Thailand on 4 July, 2025, following its arrival into the Port of Brisbane. The illicit drugs were allegedly concealed in eight wooden crates declared as ‘UV protective fabrics’.

ABF assessed multiple red flags in relation to the consignment. Forensic testing established the shipment contained 597kg of methamphetamine wrapped inside 200 rolls of fabric and the matter was handed over to the AFP. 

The AFP removed the illicit drugs and the consignment was delivered to a warehouse in Bowen Hills, in Brisbane’s inner north. 

It will be alleged the three men were in the vicinity of the warehouse when the consignment was delivered. Two of the men allegedly began to unravel the rolls of fabric, as the 24-year-old attended a business to buy an electronic scale to allegedly weigh the illicit drugs they were expecting.

The three men were then arrested by the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Task Force and taken to Brisbane City Watchhouse, where they were subsequently charged.

During subsequent search warrants of the warehouse and two vehicles, investigators located and seized the contents of the consignment, four mobile phones, about $7000 cash, and tools suspected to be used in accessing the methamphetamine.

Inquiries into the criminal syndicate remain ongoing. 

AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said the result demonstrated the commitment of the AFP to combat transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking. 

“The people behind importations like this have no regard for the harm and damage that illicit drugs wreak on the Australian community every minute of every day,” Det Supt Telfer said. 

“Methamphetamine is a devastating drug and causes harm not just to the user, but also their loved ones and the wider community. This amount of methamphetamine could have resulted in about six million individual street deals.

“Criminals will stop at nothing to import harmful drugs into Australia to fill their pockets and are indifferent to the harm they cause.”
ABF Acting Assistant Commissioner James Copeman commended border officers for their efforts.

“This was an incredibly sophisticated concealment that could have easily evaded detection – but not by our officers. The skill and vigilance of ABF teams at the border ensured this dangerous cargo was stopped before it could reach Australian streets,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Copeman said.

“The sheer volume of methamphetamine hidden within legitimate-looking fabric rolls speaks to the lengths criminal syndicates will go to, but it also highlights the extraordinary capability of ABF officers to detect and disrupt even the most convincing smuggling attempts.

“This outcome is the result of world-class targeting and a deep understanding of import patterns by our officers. Without that expertise, nearly 600 kilograms of illicit drugs may have slipped through.

“The ABF’s detection work was critical in enabling the AFP to carry out a successful operation. This is another powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration across law enforcement agencies.”

QPS Detective Inspector Stephen Tiernan, from the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Task Force, said the arrest was the result of a united front in the fight against organised criminal activity.

“The QJOCTF will continue to target and dismantle these criminal networks, using all available resources and intelligence, to prevent illicit drugs impacting the Queensland community,” Det Insp Tiernan 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.