TULLAMARINE, VIC. — The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested and charged a 48-year-old Geelong man at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday, September 16, for importing a commercial quantity of methadone into Melbourne.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers identified anomalies during an X-ray examination of the man’s luggage after he arrived on a flight from Thailand.
A subsequent examination located five plastic bags, allegedly containing about 2500 pills collectively weighing nine kilograms, hidden inside.
Presumptive testing indicated the pills contained methadone.
The man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for both offences is life imprisonment.
The Geelong man appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, September 17, and was granted bail.
His next court appearance is on January 7, 2027.
AFP Detective Superintendent Celeste Johnston said the quantity seized represented more than four times the commercial quantity threshold.
“Australia’s border is not an open door for people seeking to import bulk quantities of controlled drugs,” Det-Supt Johnston said.
“Quantities of this scale have the potential to cause significant harm if diverted into the illicit market.
“Let me be clear – the AFP and our partners at ABF work tirelessly to ensure we detect and disrupt the importation of illegal drugs”.
ABF Acting Superintendent Costas Karatzas said that travellers who attempt to unlawfully import border-controlled drugs face severe penalties.
“Our message to anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to smuggle illicit substances into Australia is to think again,” Acting Superintendent Karatzas said.
“Such poor decisions will ultimately land offenders with lengthy jail time, including up to life imprisonment.
“The harm caused to the community due to the importation of illicit and controlled drugs is profound. Lives are cut short, and it brings with it a whole range of long-lasting health impacts and adverse societal outcomes.
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, including the AFP, to prevent these illicit substances from entering Australia and target those who attempt to bring them in unlawfully.”
