Indian National Charged Over Alleged 166kg Pseudoephedrine Import
An Indian national has been charged over the alleged importation of 166 kilograms of pseudoephedrine into Australia, following an investigation led by the Australian Border Force.
Authorities allege the shipment arrived in early May 2026 through Port Botany in Sydney concealed within a sea cargo consignment declared as food products originating from India.
According to investigators, ABF officers identified suspicious anomalies in three pallets during a targeted inspection. Further examination allegedly uncovered multiple pouches containing a white powder that tested positive for pseudoephedrine — a border-controlled precursor chemical commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Investigators reportedly dismantled the consignment and seized approximately 166kg of pseudoephedrine, with an estimated street value of $5.6 million.
On 11 May 2026, officers conducted a controlled delivery of the shipment to a storage facility in Parramatta. Three days later, a man was arrested while allegedly attempting to collect the consignment.
The accused was charged with one count of importing a border-controlled precursor under section 307.11(3) of the Criminal Code (Cth). Authorities later executed a second warrant at the man’s hotel room, where officers allegedly seized three mobile phones, a laptop, and business-related documents.
The man remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before Parramatta District Court today, 22 May 2026. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led border enforcement.
“Pseudoephedrine is an ingredient commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine that ultimately ends up on the streets of Australian communities causing untold misery, addiction and drug-related crime,” Superintendent Baker said.
“A seizure of this size represents a significant disruption to the manufacture of illicit drugs and the criminal networks behind them.”
Source: ABF Newsroom/Media
