A Sydney man has been charged following an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into an alleged international drug importation operation involving a large quantity of methamphetamine intercepted before it reached the Australian community.

Police allege that Daniel Toutounji, aged 37, was arrested at Sydney Airport on 24 July 2026 after officers linked him to an imported shipment that allegedly contained approximately 22 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside industrial equipment.

According to investigators, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers identified the suspicious consignment during routine cargo screening after it arrived in Australia from overseas. The shipment was subjected to further examination, where officers allegedly discovered packages containing a crystalline substance concealed within the machinery.

Initial forensic testing indicated the substance was methamphetamine. Authorities estimate the quantity seized could have resulted in hundreds of thousands of street-level drug deals and has an estimated street value exceeding $20 million.

After locating the suspected drugs, investigators removed the illicit substance and conducted a controlled operation under AFP supervision. Police allege the shipment continued through the delivery process while officers monitored its collection in an effort to identify those responsible.

The AFP alleges Daniel Toutounji attended to collect the shipment before being arrested by investigators. Officers subsequently executed search warrants at associated properties across Sydney, where additional evidence was allegedly seized for forensic examination.

Mr Toutounji has been charged with offences relating to the attempted possession and importation of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if proven in court.

The accused appeared before court following his arrest, where the matter was adjourned for further legal proceedings. As the case is now before the courts, the allegations have not been proven, and Mr Toutounji is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The Australian Federal Police said organised criminal syndicates continue to target Australia because of the high value of illicit drugs in the domestic market. Investigators noted that cooperation between the AFP, Australian Border Force and international law enforcement partners plays a critical role in detecting sophisticated importation attempts before drugs enter Australian communities.

Authorities said commercial quantities of methamphetamine can cause significant harm through addiction, organised crime and associated violence. They emphasised that disrupting large-scale importation networks remains a national law enforcement priority.

The Australian Border Force also highlighted the importance of advanced cargo screening technology, intelligence sharing and targeted inspections in identifying concealed narcotics entering Australia through airports and seaports.

Investigators are continuing inquiries to determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged importation network. Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses.

The seizure is one of several major drug interceptions made by Australian authorities this year, reflecting ongoing efforts to prevent organised crime groups from importing illicit substances into the country.

Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about organised drug trafficking to contact Crime Stoppers or the Australian Federal Police.