BRISBANE, Australia — A 62-year-old Gold Coast man, identified as Gavin John Lahiff, has been arrested at Brisbane Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle 35 kilograms of methamphetamine into the country.
Lahiff arrived on a flight from Los Angeles on Friday when he was intercepted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers. Acting on intelligence-led targeting, officers examined his luggage and reportedly found 12 sealed plastic bags containing methamphetamine — estimated to be worth $11.4 million.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) took Lahiff into custody and charged him with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
According to AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Shane Scott, the seized drugs represent around 17,500 street-level deals, each roughly 0.2 grams.
“I want to reiterate our borders at airports are patrolled actively and diligently by the AFP and ABF to target illegal drugs coming into the country,” Scott said.
ABF Commander of Operations Queensland Troy Sokoloff confirmed that Lahiff was identified through targeted intelligence operations.
Lahiff was scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Arrest Court today.
