A 37-year-old Brazilian man will appear in Sydney Central Local Court today, charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug into Australia.
The man arrived at Sydney International Airport yesterday morning (Tuesday, 14 November 2017) on a flight from Santiago, Chile.
On arrival, he was subject to a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers. Further inspection of the man’s baggage revealed approximately five kilograms of a white substance concealed within the lining of his bag. ABF officers conducted a presumptive test of the substance, which returned a positive indication for cocaine.
The man was subsequently arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers and, after further investigations, was charged with one count of 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 NSW, Matthew O’Connor, said the detection was a great example of the hard work done by ABF officers at our borders each and every day.
“This detection demonstrates that ABF officers at international airports have the skills and technology to identify travellers and baggage that present a risk to the Australian border,” Acting Commander O’Connor said.
“Those involved in the illicit drug trade should be warned, the ABF has you in our sights.”
AFP Acting Airport Police Commander Sydney, Simone O’Mahony said AFP officers work closely with the ABF to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs into Australia.
“It should be no surprise to individuals crossing Australian borders with drugs in their possession that they will be detected and face the full force of the law as a result,” Detective Acting Superintendent O’Mahony said.
The man is scheduled to appear in Sydney Central Local Court this morning.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years’ imprisonment.