A man from New Zealand fronted court yesterday after allegedly smuggling over 10kg of cocaine into Sydney.

The permanent resident landed at Sydney Airport on a flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates on June 19.

Australian Border Force officers searched the man’s luggage and allegedly found nine sealed blocks of an unknown substance in the suitcase lining, as well as $10,000 in cash and a suspected encrypted device.

A test of the substance allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine, with an estimated weight of 10.39kg.

The 28-year-old man was charged with importing a commercial quantity of drugs.

He fronted the Downing Centre Local Court yesterday. 

ABF Superintendent Elke West said the force is dedicated to stopping drugs from entering the country.

“The ABF is Australia’s first line of defence at our border – one of the largest and most challenging environments in the world,” West said.

“Each successful alleged detection is a reminder of the critical role our organisations play in keeping our country safe.”

“Every gram of illicit substance we stop at the border is one less opportunity for harm to our community – that’s what drives our work.

“Our partnerships, intelligence work, and the dedication of ABF officers continue to create a hostile environment at the border for criminal syndicates and their mules.”

The man faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.