Media Release: 40 kilograms of ephedrine seized, two charged
Release Date: Thursday, June 07 2012, 03:55 PM
This is a joint media release between Customs and Border Protection and the Australian Federal Police
Two Queensland men are scheduled to appear before Sydney Central Local Court today (Thursday, 7 June 2012) charged with attempting to import approximately 40 kilograms of ephedrine.
Ephedrine is a precursor chemical used to manufacture amphetamine-type substances, such as methamphetamine.
A 26-year-old man and a 21-year-old man arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Vietnam on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 and were selected by Customs and Border Protection officers for a full baggage examination.
One of the men’s bag was found to contain 13 packages labelled ‘wheat flour’, ‘hash powder’ and ‘Beksal’. The other man’s bag was found to contain 11 packages with similar labels. All of the packages contained a white powder substance.
Initial testing of the substance returned positive for ephedrine. Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.
The men were subsequently charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with:
- Importing a Commercial Quantity of Border Controlled Precursors, namely pseudoephedrine, contrary to Section 307.11 Criminal Code Act 1995
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment and/or a $825,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793