German national charged after meth found in suitcase lining
Editor’s note: Photos of the drugs are available via hightail.
A German national has appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court (31 May, 2023) for allegedly importing 3kg of methamphetamine through Sydney International Airport last month.
The estimated street value for this amount of methamphetamine is $2.7 million, which is equal to about 30,000 individual street deals.
The man, 72, arrived in Sydney on a flight from Paris via Hong Kong on 1 April, 2023 and was selected for baggage examination by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
ABF officers inspected the man’s suitcase and allegedly identified 3kg of methamphetamine hidden inside its inner lining.
The matter was then reported to the AFP for investigation.
The AFP seized the illicit drugs and arrested the man, charging him with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
It is alleged the accused communicated electronically with a man not known to him, who facilitated the accused’s travel to Burkino Faso in West Africa. The accused met another man in West Africa, who subsequently provided him with the suitcase to use for his travel to Australia.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Cameron Heil said drug mules are used by organised crime syndicates to import illicit drugs into Australia.
“Organised crime groups will try every avenue to bring illicit drugs into Australia and make a profit,” A/Insp Heil said.
“The AFP is working closely with its law enforcement partners to stop the influx of illicit drugs from reaching our communities and identify the organised crime groups targeting Australia.”
ABF Superintendent Phillip Anderson said organised crime syndicates attempt to evade border controls by manipulating people into doing their bidding.
“Our officers are highly skilled in identifying attempts to import harmful substances, no matter how they may be concealed,” Superintendent Anderson said.
“I urge anyone approached by criminal groups to seek the help of authorities, rather than resort to criminal activity themselves."
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 at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.
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