Brazilian Man Arrested in Sydney for Smuggling 10kg of Cocaine

Cocaine in the shape of a skull and crossbones
Oceania Cruise Industry
By
Updated Published

A 48-year-old Brazilian man has been taken into custody after authorities found 10 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his cruise ship cabin upon the vessel’s arrival in Sydney, Australia.

Discovery and Arrest

The arrest followed a routine search conducted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers on March 15, when the cruise ship arrived from Argentina. During the inspection, officers uncovered 28 individually wrapped packages of cocaine concealed inside the ceiling cavity of the suspect’s cabin.

In addition to the illicit substances, body-packing materials—a common method used by drug couriers to evade detection—were also discovered. Initial testing confirmed the substance was cocaine, prompting ABF officials to notify the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Further Investigation and Charges

A deeper investigation by AFP officers reportedly revealed evidence of drug trafficking on the suspect’s mobile phone. As a result, the individual has been formally charged with:

  • Importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, under section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
  • Possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, under section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth).

Both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The suspect is set to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.

Ongoing Investigations

AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy emphasized that Australian authorities remain committed to preventing illicit drug trafficking.

Officials are now working to determine whether the suspect acted alone or was part of a broader criminal network. Investigations remain ongoing.