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Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted a search of the luggage belonging to two men, aged 35 and 36, who had just landed from Thailand on April 23.
During the inspection, officers reportedly uncovered a plastic bag concealed within the lining of each man’s carry-on luggage. These bags contained 4.5 kilograms of an off-white substance, which was subsequently identified as heroin.
Upon being confronted by authorities, the men attempted to escape, dashing through the terminal and into the international arrivals area before heading outside.
In an unexpected turn, a bystander assisted in apprehending the 35-year-old man, while officers utilized pepper spray to subdue him.
The 36-year-old suspect evaded capture initially but was eventually arrested in Surry Hills five days later, on April 28.
A third man, 34, who arrived on a separate flight from Thailand the same day was also arrested.
His bag also allegedly had heroin hidden in the lining.
Footage released by the Australian Federal Police from the airport includes a video of a dog sniffing and then sitting down by a small suitcase.
That’s usually a sign the dog has identified something suspicious.
The men were each charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug contrary to subsection 307.1 (1) of the Criminal Code.
They face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
“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,” AFP Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said.
“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 Australian Border Force officers were Australia’s first line of defence.
“ABF officers operate around the clock at the border to stop harmful substances, including heroin, from reaching the community,” he said.
“While criminal syndicates continue to adapt their concealment techniques, our officers are supported by specialist training and sophisticated technology to uncover these imports.”
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