Recently, Australian Border Force (ABF) officials in Sydney intercepted 900 kilograms of amphetamine, valued at over AUD 64 million, marking the largest drug seizure in New South Wales history.

On August 20, 2025, customs officers inspected a container arriving at Port Botany from overseas. Declared as “vegetable spring rolls,” the shipment raised suspicions after X-ray scans showed anomalies. Upon opening the cargo, officers found 100 boxes, each containing six rolls of plastic film wrapped around cardboard cores. ABF sniffer dogs assisted, revealing white granules that later tested positive for amphetamine (“speed”).

A total of 600 rolls of plastic film contained the drug, with an estimated 1.5 kg per roll, totaling approximately 900 kg. Authorities estimate a street value exceeding AUD 64 million.

Investigations revealed the drugs were concealed within legitimate cargo without the shipper’s knowledge, linked to a serious organized crime group with international connections. Similar cases have been reported where criminal syndicates hide drugs in shipments from genuine businesses. Port Botany has become a common entry point, with authorities frequently seizing containers containing drugs.

ABF head Jared Leighton explained that containers are not randomly inspected but selected through complex risk-assessment methods, which have proven highly effective. He warned that the potential harm to the Australian community from these drugs is “unimaginable.”

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for this large-scale smuggling attempt.