Two New Zealanders Charged with Smuggling 40kg of Cocaine into Australia

Two young men from New Zealand, both aged 21, have been charged with importing and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug after 40kg of cocaine was discovered in their suitcases during a routine baggage examination at Sydney International Airport on Friday, October 11, 2025.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) officers selected the men for a routine check, during which two suitcases were found to contain 20kg of a white substance each. Laboratory testing confirmed the substance to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of $13 million. This amount could potentially fund up to 130,000 individual street-level drug deals, underscoring the significant impact of such illicit activities on local communities.

Both individuals have been charged with serious offences that carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, October 12, 2025, and were remanded in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 3, 2025.

Authorities have praised the collaborative efforts between the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in intercepting the drugs. This joint operation highlights the importance of teamwork in disrupting criminal networks that use air travel to smuggle illicit substances into the country.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen emphasized the agency's commitment to defending Australia from drug trafficking. ABF Superintendent Elke West reiterated the ongoing efforts to dismantle organized criminal syndicates and protect the Australian border and community.

Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help prevent drug-related threats at airports. Community vigilance is seen as a critical component in the fight against drug trafficking and the protection of public safety.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with drug smuggling and the importance of law enforcement collaboration in safeguarding national security. As the legal process continues, the case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by border agencies in preventing the influx of illicit drugs into the country.