A teen from the United States has been stopped by Australian Border Force after attempting to smuggle 26 kilograms of methamphetamine through customs at Sydney Airport.
The largest collection of vapes since crackdowns began has been seized in just one single week.
Up to 400,000 vapes have been stopped entering Australia out of three sea cargo consignments from Asia.
The Australian Border Force found the illegal products worth an estimated $12.4 million
The teen, aged 18, was stopped by Australian Border Force officers who inspected his two suitcases and made the discovery of more than 20 packages wrapped in plastic wrap.
Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
The illicit drugs, which were seized, have a potential street value of more than $24 million.
A US teen was stopped at Sydney Airport on Wednesday after attempting to smuggle 26kg of methamphetamine into Australia. Picture: ABF
Australian Federal Police officers were also notified and attended the airport to conduct further inquiries.
The 18-year-old was arrested and charged with one count of import of a border-controlled drug.
He was refused bail and will appear at the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on July 24.
ABF Travel East Commander Rose Cracknell said the “significant” detection and seizure had stopped hundreds of thousands of individual street deals from flooding Sydney’s streets and the “potential harm” to many families.
ABF Travel East Commander Rose Cracknell said the “significant” detection and seizure had stopped hundred of thousands of individual street deals. Picture: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images
“This particular detection shows how some individuals and syndicates are taking brazen risks to attempt to circumvent our borders,” Commander Cracknell said.
“Our ABF officers at the airport are highly skilled to observe passenger behaviours, relying on not only intelligence, but instinct to identify potential threats.
“This should also serve as a warning for any other traveller who wishes to run the gauntlet and attempt to bypass our border controls – we will stop you in your tracks and you will be put before the courts.”
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said the AFP worked “hand-in-glove” with the ABF to maintain the safety and security of Australians.
The 18-year-old was arrested and charged with one count of import of a border-controlled drug. Picture: ABF
“Criminal groups continue in their efforts to import these insidious substances and the negative impact that illicit drugs have on the Australian community cannot be overstated,” Det Supt Fogarty said.
“This amount of methamphetamine could have been broken down to an estimated 260,000 individual street deals.
“Our message remains clear – those who seek to inflict harm on Australians, we will find you and you will be brought before the court where you could face life imprisonment.”
Members of the community are urged to report suspicious border-related activity via Border Watch at www.abf.gov.au/borderwatch