29 November 2024, 5:44pm
Media Release
Victorian man charged after $11.8 million worth of illicit drugs allegedly found in suitcase
Editor’s note: Images available via Hightail
A Victorian man appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court today (29 November, 2024) charged after $11.8 million worth of illicit drugs were allegedly found concealed in his luggage at Melbourne Airport.
AFP officers allegedly detected the illicit drugs yesterday (28 November, 2024) during a canine security patrol of checked luggage at the Melbourne Airport domestic terminal.
AFP specialist drug detection canine Bondi indicated to his handlers a potential positive presence of illicit substances in a blue rolling suitcase. AFP members then located the suitcase’s owner, 36, before he departed on a domestic flight.
While examining the man’s belongings, AFP members allegedly found multiple packages of white substances and pink pills hidden inside the suitcase.
Initial testing of the substances returned positive results for methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA.
AFP officers allegedly found and seized more than 12kg of methamphetamine worth about $11.1 million, 2kg of cocaine worth about $650,000, 1.5kg of MDMA worth about $82,000 and a number of pink pills which will be subject to further forensic testing.
The AFP charged the man with one count of trafficking a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, contrary to section 302.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The man was remanded in custody to next appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 4 April, 2025.
AFP Acting Superintendent Emily Nicholson said the AFP was committed to stamping out criminality in the airport environment.
"Despite all the risks involved, we are still regularly arresting people who attempt to traffic illicit drugs through our airports," a/Superintendent Nicholson said.
"No matter how elaborate or creative the attempts are, the AFP and our partners are working tirelessly to prevent airports being used as part of the criminal supply chain.
“Thank you to our dedicated members on the frontline at Melbourne Airport to keep us all safe. Thank you also to our intrepid canine Bondi, and his handler, whose specialist nose and training helped ensure today’s result.”
