Two charged over alleged meth imports in sea and air cargo

TWO people have been charged in separate investigations into alleged methamphetamine imports concealed in a coconut water shipment and metal cylinders transported by air cargo.

A 47-year-old Vietnamese woman and a 43-year-old Mexican man were each scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court this week. Both face charges of importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.

Coconut water shipment

A joint Australian Federal Police (AFP) and NSW Police Force investigation began in December 2025 after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected illicit drugs in a shipping container declared as containing coconut water.

Police allege the shipment contained 800 litres of coconut water mixed with liquid methamphetamine.

The woman was arrested on 4 September 2026 after police raided a unit in Macquarie Park, NSW. Police allege the address was linked to the consignment’s final delivery location and that the woman funded and coordinated the importation attempt.

Officers seized digital devices for further forensic examination.

The woman appeared before NSW Bail Division Court on 5 September 2026 and was refused bail. Her next appearance was scheduled for 4 November.

The NSW Crime Commission assisted the investigation. Inquiries are ongoing.

Air cargo consignment

In the separate air cargo investigation, ABF officers detected 50 kilograms of a crystalline substance concealed in 20 metal cylinders in August 2026.

The consignment arrived from Tijuana, Mexico, and was addressed to Brisbane. Preliminary testing returned a positive result for methamphetamine and the matter was referred to the AFP.

Police seized the consignment and further inquiries led investigators to a property in Prestons, NSW, where a controlled delivery was conducted on 3 September 2026.

Police allege the Mexican man accepted the consignment and spent several hours unpacking the cylinders.

They further allege he bought tools and electronic scales in the days before the delivery, suspected to be intended for use in accessing the cylinders.

The man was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine. He was refused bail and remanded in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for 4 November.

Both defendants were charged under section 307.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The seized cylinders. Image: AFP & ABF

Investigations into the air cargo consignment are continuing and police have not ruled out further arrests.

AFP detective acting superintendent Amy Knox said organised crime groups were driven by profit and greed.

“Methamphetamine is a dangerous and devastating drug, and criminals have no regard for the harm they inflict on communities,” Det a/Supt Knox said.

“The AFP works closely with law enforcement partners every day to detect and disrupt criminal activity before it reaches Australian streets.”

ABF superintendent Asha Patwardhan said the agency worked with law enforcement partners in Australia and overseas to identify, target and disrupt criminal networks seeking to exploit Australia’s border.

“ABF officers are highly skilled at identifying anomalies and concealment methods used by criminal syndicates, drawing on intelligence, advanced technology and operational expertise to detect illicit drugs at the border,” Supt Patwardhan said.

“Every drug detection helps protect the Australian community from the serious harm caused by illicit drugs and reinforces the ABF’s commitment to protecting Australia’s border.”