1.8 Kg Of Heroin Hidden In Shoes And Stomach

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

24 September 2009


1.8 kg of heroin hidden in shoes and stomach

A 42-year-old Australian man faced the Sydney Central Local Court today
charged with importing drugs into Australia concealed inside his body and
shoes.

Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the man for questioning when
he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City on
20 September.

During a baggage examination officers became suspicious that the man may
have been concealing drugs internally and inside his shoes.

He was subsequently referred to the Australian Federal Police and taken for a
medical examination.

It was alleged in court that the man was concealing approximately 500 grams
of heroin inside his shoes and a further 1.3 kilograms of heroin inside his body.

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

The man was charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border
controlled drug contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The man has been remanded in custody to reappear on 4 November 2009.

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

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Media enquiries:

Customs and Border Protection Communication and Media (02) 6275 6793

AFP National Media (02) 6275 7100