An Indian man has been charged after Australian authorities discovered a $5.6 million pseudoephedrine shipment concealed within a food consignment at Sydney’s Port Botany. The man appeared before Parramatta District Court on Thursday following the seizure by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers of approximately 166 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, a controlled chemical commonly used in the production of methamphetamine.
Details of the Seizure
The shipment arrived from India in early May 2026 and was declared as a food product, according to reports from Australia Today. ABF officers became suspicious after detecting anomalies in three pallets during a routine inspection at Port Botany. A closer examination revealed several pouches filled with a white powder, which later tested positive for pseudoephedrine. Investigators estimate that the seized quantity carries an approximate street value of $5.6 million.
Managed Delivery Operation
On May 11, ABF officers executed a managed delivery operation, allowing the consignment to be transported to a storage facility in Parramatta under surveillance. Three days later, a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to collect the shipment. He has since been charged with importing a border-controlled precursor under section 307.11(3) of the Criminal Code (Cth), an offense that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Authorities later searched the man’s hotel room on May 15, where they found three mobile phones, a laptop, and business-related documents.
Official Statement
ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker commented on the agency’s intelligence-driven approach to border security. “The seizure demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led border operations,” Baker said, describing pseudoephedrine as “a key ingredient in methamphetamine production that fuels serious drug harm in Australian communities.” The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Australian authorities to combat drug trafficking and protect public safety.
