Three men traveling from Thailand were arrested at Sydney Airport with a “substantial” quantity of illicit drugs.

Footage released by the Australian Federal Police shows one man wearing a checkered red and black shirt and black shorts, in handcuffs being escorted through to the airport’s security screening, by several officers.

A sniffer dog is seen inspecting the man’s bag before sitting in front of it, indicating it has detected the scent of a “target odor,” such as illicit drugs.

X-ray footage then shows something suspicious in the lining of the suitcase. The man was allegedly smuggling about 10 pounds of heroin.

He was one of two men aged in their mid-thirties who were selected by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for baggage examinations after arriving at the airport on a flight from Thailand on April 23.

Inside each man’s carry-on bag, officers allegedly located a large plastic bag hidden in the inner lining that contained an off-white powder which returned a positive indication to heroin. The substance in each bag had an estimated total weight of about 10 pounds

When the two men were told they would be the subject of further law enforcement action, they fled through the exit of the sterile area, towards the arrival court.

AFP officers on duty in the area pursued them through the international arrivals area and outside the terminal.

A member of the public was able to slow the 35-year-old man down before he was detained by the pursuing AFP officers.

According to police, the man resisted arrest and was subdued with the use of pepper spray spray. He was taken to hospital for a medical assessment.

The 36-year-old man was arrested in Surry Hills, Australia on April 28, 2026.

Meanwhile, officers also arrested a third man, aged 34, he after he arrived on a separate flight from Thailand later that day. He was linked to the other two men.

His suitcase also allegedly had a large plastic bag in the inner lining containing an off-white powder which returned a positive indication to heroin. The substance had an estimated total weight of about 11 pounds.

The men were each charged with one count of import commercial quantity of border controlled drug. The offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

AFP Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said the arrests demonstrated the strong partnership between the AFP and Australian Border Force in preventing illicit drugs entering Australia.

“This alleged importation involved a substantial quantity of illicit substances and underscores the lengths organized crime groups will go to in order to exploit international travel routes for financial gain,” Det Supt Copelin said.

“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 drug importation.

“Anyone contemplating involvement in drug trafficking should be aware these are serious offenses. The penalties can be severe, including life imprisonment, and those involved will be detected, arrested and held to account before the courts.”

ABF Superintendent Elke West said Australian Border Force officers were Australia’s first line of defense when it came to intercepting illicit drugs.

“ABF officers operate around the clock at the border to stop harmful substances, including heroin, from reaching the community,” Superintendent West said.

“While criminal syndicates continue to adapt their concealment techniques, our officers are supported by specialist training and sophisticated technology to uncover these imports.

“Ongoing co-operation with partner agencies, including the AFP, is critical to disrupting drug importations and holding offenders to account.”