Japanese drug courier jailed for nine years
A 28-year-old Japanese national has been jailed for nine years after an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into the importation of methamphetamine and ketamine in January of this year (2020).
The man was sentenced to nine years imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of four years and six months by the Supreme Court of Queensland in Brisbane on Wednesday, 11 November, 2020.
AFP detectives launched their investigation after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted a search of the man’s baggage upon arrival into Brisbane from London (via Hong Kong) on 12 January 2020.
ABF officers searched his suitcase and located a white powdered substance, subsequently identified to be 1.7 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. ABF then referred the matter to the AFP.
The man was arrested and transported to the Brisbane City Watch House, where he passed two packages of ketamine, which he had hidden internally, with a total weight of 83.9 grams.
The man pleaded guilty to the following charges on 11 November 2020:
- One count of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, namely Methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1(1) Criminal Code (Cth) and;
- One count of importing border controlled drugs, namely Ketamine, contrary to Section 307.4(1) Criminal Code (Cth).
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.
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