The Australian Border Force (ABF) will be auctioning consignments of goods on 29 March 2025.
The 117 sapphire and tanzanite gemstones independently valued at more than $60,000 were abandoned at Perth Airport by the importer.
Highly skilled ABF officers detected the goods concealed in a traveller's luggage, which had not been declared on the traveller's incoming passenger card.
ABF Inspector Micheal Bakes said travellers are allowed to import high-value goods, but should be aware they may attract tax liabilities.
"Due to the high-value of these goods, the importer's intent was likely to smuggle the goods into the country so they could avoid paying duty and GST," Inspector Bakes said.
"If in doubt, travellers arriving into Australia should declare high-value items on their incoming passenger card."
After detection, the goods were independently valued to enable an accurate assessment of the tax liability, and the importer advised of the amount owing. The importer chose not to pay the Duty and GST, and the goods were abandoned.
"The ABF is also aware that criminal groups use luxury goods to launder illicit funds," Inspector Bakes said.
"Money laundering is a fundamental enabler of organised crime, allowing the profits of crime to be reinvested in further criminal activity including drug and weapon trafficking, and human exploitation."
"ABF officers are on the frontline at Australia's international airports using a combination of intelligence, intuition and technology, to detect and disrupt all illegal activities."
It will be an online auction conducted by Lloyd's Auctions. Refer to www.lloydsauctions.com.au
