Customs and Border Protection AFP joint media release 17 March 2010

Man charged with importing precursor substance

A 48-year-old man will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court today, charged with importing an illegal precursor.

The man was selected for a random search at Melbourne International Airport and found to be carrying a box containing a significant number of suspicious satchels.

Customs and Border Protection officers examined the box and tested the substance, which returned a positive reading for ephedrine.

The man was then referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The man was then charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled precursor, contrary to section 307.11 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

It will be alleged in court that the man was concealing approximately 3.2 kilograms of the illegal precursor substance.

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

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