customs and border protection media release

Couple charged with importing heroin internally - 10 June 2010

Joint media release with the Australian Federal Police

A 37-year-old Cambodian woman is set to appear in Sydney Central Local Court today charged with importing drugs into Australia. This follows the appearance of a 31-year old Cambodian man in court yesterday to face similar charges.

The couple was stopped by Customs and Border Protection Officers when they arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Bangkok on 6 June.

Officers became suspicious that the couple may have been concealing drugs internally.

The couple were referred to the Australian Federal Police and taken to hospital for medical examination.

It will be alleged in court that the woman passed 170 pellets of a substance believed to be heroin.

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

The AFP charged both with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code 1995.

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) 6131 6333