Two Nepalese nationals charged with trafficking illicit drugs
Editor’s note: Images available via Hightail
The AFP arrested and charged two Nepalese nationals in Brisbane last night (22 February) after they allegedly transported about 450g of illicit drugs from Sydney inside tubes of hair dye.
The men, both aged 21, faced Pine Rivers Magistrates Court today (23 February), each charged with one count of trafficking marketable quantities of controlled drugs, contrary to section 302.3 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for the offence is 25 years’ imprisonment.
AFP investigators executed search warrants on the men after they arrived at the Roma St Bus Station about 10.20pm last night on a service from Casino, NSW.
The men had earlier caught a train from Sydney to Casino.
Investigators searched a backpack one of the men had been carrying and seized six tubes of professional hair dye wrapped inside a towel.
The AFP will allege the tubes contained substances consistent with border controlled drugs. The substances are undergoing further forensic testing.
AFP Commander John Tanti said investigators cast a wide net to detect any attempt to move drugs into and around Australia.
“Illicit drugs cause major harm to the Australian community every day and our investigators are committed to removing them from the streets and putting anyone allegedly involved in transporting them before the courts,” Commander Tanti said.
The men faced Pine Rivers Magistrates Court this morning and were remanded in custody to reappear on 3 March, 2023.
Note to media:
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.
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