Media Release: Man charged with importing cocaine in surfboard

Release Date: Wednesday, August 29 2012, 10:59 AM

This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

A 43-year-old Pagewood man is scheduled to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with allegedly importing cocaine into Australia concealed in a surfboard.

On 25 August 2012, Customs and Border Protection officers examined the man’s luggage when he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Fiji. 

While examining the man’s luggage, Customs and Border Protection officers noticed anomalies in the structure of his surfboard.

Further examinations revealed the surfboard concealed a white powder-like substance which tested positive to cocaine. Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance, which is estimated to weigh between 500 grams and 1 kilogram.

Customs and Border Protection officers referred the matter to the AFP and the man was later charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, name cocaine, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.

Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793