customs and border protection and australian federal police joint media release

Man arrested for importing cocaine in chocolate bars - 18 January 2010

A 42-year-old United States man will face Sydney Central Local Court today, charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) with importing cocaine concealed within chocolate bars.

On 17 January 2010, the man arrived at Sydney International Airport off a flight from Buenos Aires.

Upon arrival, Customs and Border Protection officers searched his luggage, revealing numerous packets of ‘bite size’ chocolate bars and other chocolate products, wrapped inside clothing in his suitcase.

Closer inspection of a chocolate bar revealed a white powder substance, coated with chocolate, inside the wrapper.

A Customs and Border Protection Drug Detection Dog reacted positively for the presence of drugs in the chocolate bars and preliminary tests conducted by officers reacted positively for the presence of cocaine.

AFP officers were called and the man was placed under arrest. He was charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The approximate gross weight of the packets of chocolate bars is 2.6 kilograms.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the drug, its weight and purity.

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

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