National media release
US citizen arrested over internal drug concealment
Saturday, 22 March 2008
This is a joint Media Release between the AFP and Customs
A 48-year-old American man will appear in Parramatta Local Court today charged with attempting to smuggle cocaine into Australia.
Customs officers at Sydney International Airport stopped the man for a baggage examination when he arrived on a flight from San Francisco on Monday 17 March.
During questioning, officers became suspicious that he may have been concealing drugs internally.
The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and taken to hospital for a medical examination.
It will be alleged in court he passed 82 pellets containing approximately 700 grams of a white powder believed to be cocaine.
The pellets are currently the subject of forensic testing to determine the exact weight and purity of the drugs.
The man has been charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug under the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $550,000.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100