A Canadian national is scheduled to face Brisbane Magistrates Court today (4 October, 2024) charged with allegedly importing 5kg of methamphetamine into Australia concealed in his luggage.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly detected the illicit drugs on 15 September, 2024, after selecting the man, 59, for a baggage examination when he arrived at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from Vancouver, Canada.
Packages of methamphetamine were allegedly hidden in the lining of two backpacks that were stored in a suitcase, as well as in the lining of the suitcase itself.
Testing of the substance returned a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.
The AFP arrested and charged the man with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He first appeared in court on 16 September, 2024, and was remanded in custody to reappear in court today.
This amount of methamphetamine could have been sold as almost 50,000 street deals with an estimated value of $5 million.
AFP Acting Commander Josh Kinghorn said every 'hit' of methamphetamine inflicted misery on the Australian community.
"Methamphetamine is linked to further criminal activity such as drug dealing, property crime and violence," Acting Commander Kinghorn said.
"The AFP and its Australian partners are relentless in pursuing those who try to bring illegal drugs into this country."
ABF Acting Commander John Ikin praised officers for their excellent detection work.
"Our officers are highly trained and fully committed to protecting the Australian community from the scourge of illegal drugs, and this is a sizeable amount prevented from hitting the streets," Acting Commander Ikin said.
"Our message to anyone thinking of engaging in this illegal conduct is very simple. Do not try. We will detect your efforts and you will face the full legal consequences, working with the AFP and other law enforcement partners."
The AFP is continuing its investigation into the drug importation.
