Customs and Border Protection AFP joint media release 4 March 2010

West Australian man arrested for importing cocaine

A 34-year-old West Australian man has been arrested in Melbourne for attempting to import approximately two litres of liquid cocaine concealed inside bottles labelled as liquor.

Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the man for questioning when he arrived at Melbourne International Airport on a flight from Bangkok yesterday, 3 March 2010.

During the examination, officers became suspicious that something may have been concealed inside the bottles. Initial testing indicated the presence of cocaine.

The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police, which charged the man with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

He will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance.

The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.

Media inquiries:
Customs and Border Protection Communication and Media (02) 6275 6793
AFP National Media (02) 6275 7100