National media release
Man arrested over heroin concealed as alcoholic spirits
Tuesday, 09 June 2009
A 47-year-old Australian man faced Sydney Central Local Court today charged with importing approximately 800 grams of heroin into Australia.
Customs and Border Protection officers at Sydney International Airport selected the man for questioning after arriving in Sydney on a flight from Bangkok yesterday (Monday 8 June).
During a subsequent baggage examination, officers x-rayed and conducted narcotic tests on two bottles labeled as alcoholic spirits. Those tests returned a positive result for heroin and the man was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
He was later charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Further forensic testing will be conducted on the substance found within the two bottles to confirm its exact weight and purity.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100