Drug dog sits next to suitcase at Sydney Airport, sparking major find

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers searched the bags of two men, aged 35 and 36, after they arrived on a flight from Thailand on April 23.

Officers reportedly found a plastic bag in the lining of each man’s carry-on bag containing 10 pounds of off-white powder, which later turned out to be heroin.

When confronted, the men fled through the terminal, into international arrivals and beyond.

A member of the public helped grab the 35-year-old, with officers using pepper spray.

The 36-year-old man was arrested in Surry Hills five days later on April 28.

A third man, 34, who arrived on a separate flight from Thailand the same day, was also arrested.

Heroin is also said to be hidden in the lining of his bag.

Footage released by Australian Federal Police from the airport includes video of a dog sniffing and then sitting near a small suitcase.

That’s usually a sign that the dog has noticed something suspicious

The men were each charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to subsection 307.1(1) of the Act. Criminal Code.

They risk a maximum prison sentence of life in prison.

“The AFP continues to work hand-in-hand with the ABF to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal syndicates that seek to harm Australian communities through the importation of drugs,” said AFP Chief Inspector Davina Copelin.

‘Anyone considering involvement in drug trafficking should be aware that these are serious crimes.

“Penalties may be severe, including life imprisonment, and those involved will be located, arrested and held accountable in court.”

ABF Chief Inspector Elke West said Australian Border Force officers were Australia’s first line of defence.

“ABF officers operate 24 hours a day at the border to prevent harmful substances, including heroin, from reaching the community,” he said.

“As criminal syndicates continue to adapt their concealment techniques, our officers are supported by specialist training and advanced technology to detect these imports.”

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