Media Release: Man charged with importing cocaine

Release Date: Tuesday, July 24 2012, 10:04 AM

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

A 28-year-old American national will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with importing cocaine into Australia.

The man arrived at Brisbane International Airport on a flight from New Zealand, yesterday (Monday 23 July).

During an examination of the man’s luggage, Customs and Border Protection officers found approximately two kilograms of a white powder substance concealed within the lining of two suitcases. Initial testing of the substance returned positive for cocaine. 

The matter was then referred to the AFP which charged the man with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely 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.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.

National Manager Aviation Assistant Commissioner Shane Connelly said today “this seizure shows that no importation is too big or too small to escape detection by Australian law enforcement”.

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