A 62-year-old Gold Coast man has been arrested after Australian Border Force officers allegedly found 35 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside his luggage at Brisbane Airport, authorities said.
The man, described by police as a grandfather and Gold Coast resident, was stopped by border officers after stepping off a flight from Los Angeles on Friday. During a detailed inspection of his baggage, officers reportedly uncovered 12 vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing a white crystalline substance that initial testing indicated was methamphetamine.
Australian Federal Police said the quantity seized could have been divided into about 17,500 street-level deals and estimated its street value at roughly $11.4 million. The man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The seizure was made by Australian Border Force officers working at the international terminal, with the AFP taking custody of the investigation and the accused. Police did not immediately release further identifying details about the suspect or information about any court appearances.
Authorities said the discovery followed routine intelligence and baggage inspection procedures at the airport. Large-scale methamphetamine consignments intercepted at Australian borders have increasingly drawn public attention in recent years as law enforcement agencies step up efforts to disrupt international trafficking routes and organised supply chains.
The AFP and ABF routinely examine international passengers and baggage for prohibited items, and successful interceptions often lead to criminal charges and longer-term investigations aimed at identifying supply networks and sources overseas. Prosecutors will now determine whether to proceed with charges and what evidence will be presented in court.
This case adds to a series of high-profile drug importation matters handled by federal authorities. In some previous cases, large consignments have prompted joint operations and international cooperation to trace consignors and recipients.
Police urged anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact the AFP. Further procedural steps, including custody arrangements and the scheduling of a court appearance, are expected to be confirmed by authorities as the matter progresses.