customs and border protection media release

Man charged with attempting to import heroin in shoes - 10 June 2010

Joint media release with the Australian Federal Police

A 49-year-old Cabramatta man has been charged with attempting to import heroin into Australia. He is scheduled to appear in Sydney Central Local Court
today.

Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the man for questioning when he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Vietnam on 9 June 2010.

During the search, officers found a substance in his shoes.

Initial testing indicated the presence of heroin.

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

The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police, and charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin, contrary to section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

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

Media enquiries: AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333 or Customs and Border Protection Communication and Media (02) 6275 6793

Images are available on the Customs and Border Protection website.