A Gold Coast man has been charged after allegedly trying to smuggle 35 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia hidden in his luggage.
The 62-year-old was stopped by Australian Border Force officers at Brisbane Airport after arriving on a flight from Los Angeles on Friday.
Authorities say a baggage search uncovered 12 sealed plastic bags filled with a white crystalline substance.
Tests later confirmed the haul was methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $11.4 million.
AFP officers arrested the man and charged him with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Detectives say the seizure stopped around 17,500 individual street-level deals from reaching Australian streets.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Shane Scott said the case was a reminder that airports remain under constant surveillance.
“Despite repeated warnings, people continue to risk their lives and freedom trying to traffic drugs into Australia,” he said.
“Methamphetamine destroys lives and families, and this seizure sends a strong message to those who attempt to smuggle drugs into Australia – you will be caught”.
