Shanmugam travelled from Sydney to Adelaide, the place he was arrested on the airport on Feb 21 whereas trying to board a flight to Malaysia.
He initially appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court docket on Monday earlier than he was extradited to New South Wales to face costs.
The seized methamphetamine has an estimated road worth of A$29.6 million (US$18.8 million) whereas the cocaine was considered price A$2.6 million.
The offences carry a most penalty of life imprisonment.
In response to CNA’s queries, Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) mentioned it was conscious of stories {that a} 55-year-old Singaporean man had been arrested in Australia for suspected drug-related offences.
“CNB will render the required help to our counterparts in Australia to assist their investigation. As their investigation is ongoing, it’s inappropriate to remark additional at this time limit,” mentioned a spokesperson.