Three men charged after 14kg discovery allegedly made in carry-on bags at Sydney Airport

Published: 04:02, 4 May 2026 | Updated: 04:03, 4 May 2026 Three men have been charged after allegedly trying to smuggle 14kg of heroin through Sydney Airport.  Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted a random baggage examination of two men, aged 35 and 36, on April 23. Around 4.5kg of heroin was allegedly found in a large plastic bag hidden in the inner lining of both men's carry-on bags.  The men, who had flown in from Thailand, allegedly attempted to escape officers, running through international arrivals and out of the terminal. The 35-year-old was slowed down by a member of the public before he was detained and pepper sprayed after allegedly resisting arrest.  He was taken to hospital for medical assessment. The 36-year-old man allegedly evaded authorities before he was arrested in Surry Hills on April 28. A third man, aged 34, was arrested when he arrived from Thailand on April 23 after about 5kg of heroin was allegedly found in the inner lining of his carry-on bag.  Three men have been charged after allegedly trying to smuggle 14kg of heroin through Sydney Airport  Around 4.5kg of heroin was allegedly found in a large plastic bag hidden in the inner lining of each of the luggage  The three men were charged with one count of import commercial quantity of border controlled drug which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They are expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on June 24.  AFP Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said the ABF would continually prevent illicit drugs from entering the country. 'This alleged importation involved a substantial quantity of illicit substances and underscores the lengths organised crime groups will go to in order to exploit international travel routes for financial gain,' she said. 'The AFP continues to work hand-in-hand with the ABF to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal syndicates that seek to harm Australian communities through drug importation. 'Anyone contemplating involvement in drug trafficking should be aware these are serious offences.  'The penalties can be severe, including life imprisonment, and those involved will be detected, arrested and held to account before the courts.' ABF Superintendent Elke West said border force officers were the country’s first line of defence when intercepting illicit drugs.  The three men were charged with one count of import commercial quantity of border controlled drug which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment  'ABF officers operate around the clock at the border to stop harmful substances, including heroin, from reaching the community,' she said. 'While criminal syndicates continue to adapt their concealment techniques, our officers are supported by specialist training and sophisticated technology to uncover these imports. 'Ongoing cooperation with partner agencies, including the AFP, is critical to disrupting drug importations and holding offenders to account.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.