French man arrested at Sydney Airport after more than $20 million worth of meth was allegedly discovered in his suitcase
The man, aged 20, was stopped by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Sydney Airport for a routine examination after arriving on a flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on July 20.
Officers allegedly discovered 22 vacuum-sealed bags hidden in his luggage that contained a clear crystalline substance, and presumptive testing revealed a positive result for methamphetamine, and Australian Federal Police statement (AFP) said.
The estimated weight of the crystalline substance was 22kg, and AFP have since seized the alleged drugs.
The amount of methamphetamine allegedly seized had an estimated street value of over $20 million, representing 220,000 potential individual street deals.
AFP officers arrested the French national, who has since been charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, and a count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine.
He now faces a lengthy sentence behind bars, with both offences carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The French national was formerly refused bail after appearing before Downing Centre Local Court on July 21 and he is set to reappear in at the court on September 16.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP and the border force continued to see people trying to smuggle illegal drugs into their country via luggage.
The AFP is "working closely with our partners at the border and overseas" to disrupt the importation of such drugs into Australia, he said.
'This is not a victimless crime. The drugs these individuals carry fuel violence, addiction and organised crime in our communities. Every kilogram seized is a blow to the networks that profit from harm and a reminder that Australia is not an easy target," Detective Superintendent Blunden said.
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