National media release
Woman arrested for cocaine importation
Monday, 02 March 2009
This is a joint media release between the AFP and Customs.
A 21-year-old American woman will face Sydney Central Local Court today charged with attempting to smuggle approximately 700 grams of cocaine into Australia through Sydney International Airport.
Customs and Border Protection officers questioned the woman when she arrived on a flight from Los Angeles yesterday (26 February).
During a frisk search, officers found numerous pellets of white powder concealed in a body belt around her waist. An additional pellet was later found secreted internally.
The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police and the woman was charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Initial testing indicated cocaine and further forensic testing will take place to determine the 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