National media release
Drugs found in suitcase at Perth Airport
Thursday, 05 June 2008
A 38-year-old Chinese woman will face Perth Magistrates Court today charged with importing a commercial quantity of heroin into Australia.
Customs officers at Perth International Airport stopped the woman and searched her baggage after she arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
An x-ray of the woman’s suitcase revealed an image consistent with a possible narcotic concealment. Customs officers drilled into the bag and found a white powder.
Preliminary testing of the powder indicated the substance to be heroin.
The woman was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug (heroin) contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act (1995).
Further forensic testing will confirm the drug, its exact weight and purity.
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or an $825,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100