"A 55-year-old Singaporean man has been charged in Australia after allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 40kg of methamphetamine and cocaine into
“A 55-year-old Singaporean man has been charged in Australia after allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 40kg of methamphetamine and cocaine into the country.
The suspect, Shanmugam Sundar Darmaraju, arrived in Sydney on 20 February 2025 on a flight from Malaysia. Initially, he claimed he had no checked luggage, and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers cleared him. However, two suitcases later discovered abandoned on a baggage carousel contained 32kg of methamphetamine and 8kg of cocaine, with identification tags bearing his name.
Following further investigations, authorities tracked the suspect to Adelaide, where he was arrested at the airport on 21 February while attempting to board a flight to Malaysia.
He first appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 24 February before being extradited to New South Wales. He now faces charges of importing a commercial quantity of illegal drugs and, if convicted, could receive a life sentence. His next court appearance is scheduled for 25 February at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.
Australian authorities estimate the seized methamphetamine to be worth A$29.6 million (S$25.1 million) and capable of producing approximately 320,000 street deals. The cocaine is valued at A$2.6 million (S$2.2 million) and could have yielded around 40,000 individual sales.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen emphasised that law enforcement agencies are committed to stopping drug traffickers from exploiting air travel routes. “”Illicit drugs devastate lives and pose a serious threat to the community. We will continue working with our partners to disrupt all levels of the drug trade,”” he stated.”
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