Two 21-year-old New Zealanders have appeared in an Australian court after allegedly attempting to smuggle 40 kilograms of cocaine through Sydney International Airport.
The pair appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday after Australian Border Force officers allegedly found the illicit drugs on Friday.
The men were selected for a baggage examination upon their arrival in Sydney on a flight that had travelled from Africa via the Middle East. Around 20kg of a white substance was allegedly found in each of the men's suitcases, totalling an estimated 40kg.
Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for cocaine and the matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
That amount of cocaine had an estimated street value of NZ$14.7 million and had the potential to equate to 130,000 street deals.
The men were each charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug and possession of a commercial quantity.
Young Kiwis could face life in jail over $14.7m Sydney cocaine bust - Watch on TVNZ+
These offences carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Both men were remanded in custody for their next appearance on December 3.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said the agency worked with law enforcement partners to combat attempts by criminal networks using air travel to smuggle drugs.
"The AFP is committed to defending Australia from drug trafficking and disrupting the criminals attempting to profit at the expense and suffering of the community."
ABP Superintendent Elke West said the expert knowledge and targeting skills of officers had prevented a significant quantity of drugs from hitting the streets.
"ABF officers are protecting our border every single day from the threat of illicit drugs – whether that be through targeting airport drug mules, or assessing cargo which arrives at our shores via air and sea."
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