Nearly $29 million worth of illicit drugs has been seized in a 48-hour blitz at Sydney Airport.
The Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force charged two foreign nationals following two separate drug busts after 27kg of cocaine and 21kg of methamphetamine were discovered.
The first man, a Canadian-Ecuadorian dual national, 41, was charged with allegedly smuggling 6kg of cocaine in his underpants on September 21.
ABF officers suspected something was wrong with his visa application and conducted a search of the man.
Police allege a package was found taped to his groin which was tested positive for cocaine.
He was arrested by AFP officers and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
On September 23, AFP officers charged a second man, a US national, 23, with allegedly importing 21kg of cocaine and 21kg of methamphetamine concealed in two suitcases.
His charges, two counts of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, also carry a maximum penalty of life behind bars.
Police spotted two suspicious packages in his suitcases upon his arrival at Sydney Airport from Los Angeles in the US.
The packages were tested and returned positive for cocaine and meth.
The combined 27kg of cocaine and 21kg of methamphetamine had a street value of $28.7 million.
The first man, 41, appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on September 22 and was refused bail to appear again in November.
The 23-year-old appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Septemner 24 and was also refused bail.
He will return to court in November.
Dom Stephenson, AFP Acting Sydney Airport Police Commander, said drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine inflicted “misery” on the wider Australian community.
“Despite all the risks involved, we are still arresting people attempting to bring illicit drugs into our country through our airports,” he said.
“When individuals travel to Australia with drugs hidden in their possession, it should come as no surprise they will be detected and face the full consequences of the law.”
AFP Acting Superintendent Andrew Snook said these busts proved travellers did not understand the real-life consequences of attempted drug smuggling.
“Criminal syndicates are exploiting young travellers who may not understand the risks of importing border controlled drugs into Australia, all for their own financial gain,” he said.
