Media Release
Two charged over alleged failed plot to import 40kg of cocaine into Australia in luggage
This is a joint media release between Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: Footage available via Hightail.
Two New Zealand nationals appeared before Parramatta Local Court yesterday (11 October, 2025) charged for their alleged roles in a 40kg cocaine importation at Sydney Airport.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly found the illicit drugs on Friday (10 October, 2025) after selecting two men, both aged 21, for a baggage examination following their arrival at Sydney International Airport.
The officers allegedly found 20kg of a white substance in each of the men’s suitcases, totalling an estimated 40kg. Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for cocaine and the matter was referred to the AFP.
This amount of cocaine has an estimated street value of $13 million and if it had reached the community had the potential to equate to 130,000 street deals.
AFP officers attended the airport and spoke with the men before formally charging each with:
- 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 possess commercial quantity 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Both men were remanded into custody for their next court appearance on 3 December, 2025.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said the AFP, together with its law enforcement partners, worked together to combat attempts by criminal networks using air travel as part of the international drug-trafficking chain.
“The AFP is committed to defending Australia from drug trafficking and disrupting the criminals attempting to profit at the expense and suffering of the community,” Det a/Supt Millen said.
ABF Superintendent Elke West said the expert knowledge and targeting skills of officers had prevented a significant quantity of drugs from hitting the streets.
“ABF officers are protecting our border every single day from the threat of illicit drugs – whether that be through targeting airport drug mules, or assessing cargo which arrives at our shores via air and sea,” Supt West said.
“Our aim is to uphold the integrity of the Australian border and protect the community from the dangers of these illicit substances.
“We continue to work with our state and federal law enforcement partners to disrupt these organised criminal syndicates’ corrupt business models.”
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