A citizen of the United States faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday, charged with attempting to import approximately one kilogram of cocaine concealed within a suitcase.
The 21-year-old man arrived at Melbourne International Airport from Colombia on Tuesday morning (1 August 2017). He came to the attention of Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
ABF officers questioned the man before conducting a full baggage examination. A deconstruction of the man’s baggage revealed a petroleum jelly-like substance concealed inside.
Presumptive testing indicated the substance was cocaine. Further forensic testing will be conducted to determine the exact weight and purity of the cocaine.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) attended and subsequently charged the man with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
ABF Acting Regional Commander Victoria said, “Our intelligence teams and front-line officers work together closely to identify persons of interest on their arrival into Australia”.
The ABF continue to work closely with the AFP to counter a range of illegal activities at airports across the country.
The man is due to reappear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on 25 October 2017.