An Indian national has appeared before Parramatta District Court after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers allegedly intercepted a major attempt to smuggle 166kg of pseudoephedrine into Australia through Port Botany.
The shipment, which arrived from India in early May 2026 and was declared as a food product, attracted the attention of ABF officers after irregularities were identified in three pallets during routine screening.
Further examination allegedly uncovered several pouches containing a white powder that tested positive for pseudoephedrine — a controlled precursor chemical commonly used in the production of methamphetamine.
Authorities claim the seized consignment weighed approximately 166kg and had an estimated street value of $5.6 million.
On May 11, ABF investigators carried out a controlled delivery of the shipment to a storage facility in Parramatta. Three days later, officers arrested a man who was allegedly attempting to collect the consignment.
The accused has been charged with importing a border-controlled precursor under Section 307.11(3) of the Criminal Code (Cth), an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
A subsequent search of his hotel room on May 15 allegedly led to the seizure of three mobile phones, a laptop, and several business-related documents.
ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said the operation highlighted the success of intelligence-driven border enforcement efforts, noting that pseudoephedrine is a key component in methamphetamine production and contributes significantly to drug-related harm across Australian communities.