A 73-year-old German national faced court today charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug into Australia.
The man arrived at Sydney International Airport on August 12th from Auckland, New Zealand.
On arrival, he was subject to a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers. Further inspection of the man’s baggage revealed around two kilograms of cocaine concealed within the lining of his carry-on suitcase.
The man was subsequently arrested by AFP officers and, after further investigations, was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
Detective Sergeant Angy Polic said AFP officers work closely with the ABF to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs into Australia.
“AFP are committed to working together with the ABF to prevent any amount of drugs from entering the country,” said Det Sgt Polic.
“When individuals arrive in Australia with drugs in their possession, it should come to no surprise they will be detected and face the consequences of the law, as a result.”
ABF Superintendent Phillip Anderson said the detection was a great example of the capability and diligence of our ABF officers at Sydney International Airport.
“Criminals think that by importing small quantities of illicit substances into Australia they will evade detection by ABF officers, but that’s not the case,” Supt Anderson said
“We are always on the lookout for dangerous substances entering Australia, seizing even the smallest amount prevents the flow on effect of many devastating health consequences.”
The man is facing a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment
