SYDNEY, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Australian police have charged a French national over an alleged attempt to import more than 20 kg of methamphetamine in his luggage.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) said on Sunday that the 20-year-old French citizen was stopped by officers on arrival at Sydney Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on July 20.

A subsequent search of his luggage by the ABF allegedly found vacuum-sealed bags containing 22 kg of a clear crystalline substance. Testing identified the substance as methamphetamine and the man was arrested by the AFP.

He was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and one count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. Each offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

According to authorities, the seized drugs have an estimated street value exceeding 20 million Australian dollars (13.1 million U.S. dollars) and could have supplied 220,000 individual deals.

"This is not a victimless crime. The drugs these individuals carry fuel violence, addiction and organized crime in our communities. Every kilogram seized is a blow to the networks that profit from harm and a reminder that Australia is not an easy target," AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said in a statement.

The 20-year-old made an initial appearance at a Sydney court on July 21 where he was denied bail. He will return to court on Sept. 16. ■