National media release
Melbourne man charged with importing drugs
Thursday, 20 November 2008
THis is a joint AFP and Customs media release
A 41-year-old Victorian man will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today charged with importing drugs into Australia.
The man, from St Albans in Melbourne’s western suburbs, was stopped for questioning by Customs officers when he arrived at Melbourne International Airport on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, yesterday.
During questioning, Customs officers became suspicious that the man was concealing drugs internally and he was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The man was taken to hospital where scans showed he was carrying five packages internally.
The AFP will allege in court that approximately 433 grams of an illegal substance, believed to be heroin, was contained within the packages.
Forensic testing will be carried out to confirm the substance and determine its exact weight and purity.
The man was charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
Customs Media (02) 6275 6793
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100