SYDNEY, July 11 (Xinhua) -- A man from the United States has appeared before the Perth Magistrate's Court in Australia after allegedly trying to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics in a suitcase through Perth International Airport.

As a result, Australian Federal Police (AFP) have begun a full investigation on Wednesday with suspicion the accused was acting as part of larger crime syndicate.

"Arrests are often just the beginning of an investigation for us," AFP state manager for Western Australia Commander Greg Harrigan said, after the 64-year-old faced court on Tuesday.

"From here we will be considering all avenues of the supply chain offshore and the potential market here in Australia for this attempted drug importation at Perth's borders."

Travelling on a flight from Thailand on Monday, border force agents picked up anomalies in the base of the man's suitcase.

With further x-ray examination, 4 kilograms of the drug cocaine were detected in two separate packages.

"Our officers are highly trained and use a range of assessment techniques supported by cutting edge x-ray and detection technology to identify prohibited items crossing the border," Australian Border Force acting regional commander for Western Australia Mark Wilson said.

"This is another great example of our border screening methods protecting the community by stopping drugs entering the country."

If found guilty, trafficking a commercial supply of illicit drugs can carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.