Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for heroin, with an estimated weight of 21kg. <\/p>\n
ABF referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for investigation and the man was arrested on scene at Sydney Airport.<\/p>\n
The man was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section.<\/p>\n
This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.<\/p>\n
Detective Acting Superintendent Aaron Burgess said the AFP was committed to disrupting criminal drug supply chains attempting to traffic drugs into Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cAustralian airports are not gateways for drug importation for criminal syndicates \u2013 anyone attempting to conceal illicit substances and enter our country will be caught and prosecuted,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Images of the drug bust provided by Aussie authorities. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cOrganised criminal syndicates are driven purely by greed and attempt to exploit all avenues to smuggle harmful illicit substances into Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cAustralian law enforcement are united in our efforts to intercept these drugs before they can reach and harm Australian lives, along with the devastating domino effects that flow onto our health system and economy as a result.\u201d<\/p>\n
Border Force Superintendent Elke West said this detection is a good reminder to every passenger crossing our borders with illicit goods and substances \u2013 the risk is not worth the reward.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ABF uses a sophisticated layered approach to targeting passengers at our airports for examination,\u201d West said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis detection demonstrates that our systems, technology, intelligence sharing and human judgement all complement each other to identify high-risk travellers before they can do more harm in our communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time we intercept illicit drugs at our borders we are stopping them from reaching Australian communities. It\u2019s a great example of how intelligence sharing between our partner agencies and officer vigilance matter every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man\u2019s arrest comes soon after two New Zealand women<\/a> were accused of importing 36kg of methamphetamine,<\/a> estimated to be worth $37.7 million, into Australia.<\/p>\n