A man accused of using fish statues to import $10 million worth of methamphetamine has pleaded not guilty.
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Jackson Igwebuike, 32, was caught in a police sting after Australian Border Force officers intercepted packages destined for Canberra.
The shipment contained three 20 kilogram statues from China, one of which allegedly contained the drug ice.
The drug was replaced with an inert substance and sent on to an address in Kaleen.
There, it is alleged that Igwebuike picked up the package and took it to a second address in the northside suburb.
Police say they then arrested the accused as he tried to get on a bus at the Jolimont Centre in Civic.
It is alleged that Igwebuike, a Nigerian national here on a student visa, had packages from the statue in his possession.
Police say the alleged drug importation was part of an organised crime syndicate that had international links.
Igwebuike is facing a term of life imprisonment.
His case appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court for the second time on Monday.
He entered pleas of not guilty.
Border Force officials were in court in case Igwebuike was released from custody.
The court heard that, if bailed, Igwebuike would be immediately taken into immigration detention.
Commonwealth prosecutors asked for a lengthy adjournment to allow time for the preparation of the brief of evidence.
The case will come back to court in 10 weeks time.
