An Indian national is set to appear before Parramatta District Court after being charged over the alleged importation of 166 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, a controlled precursor chemical commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

According to the Australian Border Force (ABF), officers at Port Botany identified suspicious irregularities in a sea cargo shipment arriving from India in early May 2026. The consignment, declared as a food product, contained three pallets that attracted the attention of border officials during routine screening and intelligence-led inspections.

Further examination allegedly revealed several pouches containing a white powder that tested positive for pseudoephedrine. Following a detailed deconstruction of the shipment, investigators reportedly uncovered approximately 166 kilograms of the substance, with an estimated street value of $5.6 million.

On 11 May, ABF officers conducted a controlled delivery of the consignment to a storage facility in Parramatta. Three days later, a man was arrested while allegedly attempting to collect the shipment.

The individual has been charged with importing a border-controlled precursor under Commonwealth legislation. Authorities subsequently executed a second search warrant at the man’s hotel accommodation on 15 May, seizing three mobile phones, a laptop and business-related documents.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before Parramatta District Court. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.

ABF Superintendent Shaun Baker said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven border enforcement efforts.

“Pseudoephedrine is commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, a drug that causes significant harm to individuals, families and communities across Australia,” Superintendent Baker said.

He added that the seizure represented a major disruption to illicit drug production and the criminal networks involved in trafficking precursor chemicals into the country.

Australian authorities continue to warn that organised crime groups remain a key target for border enforcement operations, with agencies maintaining a strong focus on detecting and preventing the importation of illicit drugs and precursor substances into Australia.

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