Two Brazilian nationals, a 30-year-old man and 26-year-old woman, are due to appear in court today after attempting to import approximately 6kg of cocaine through Sydney International Airport.
The pair arrived on a flight from Doha on Thursday morning (31 January 2019) and were selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.
During the examination, ABF officers noted three of the couple’s bags were unusually heavy when empty, and a subsequent X-ray revealed anomalies. An ABF Drug Detector Dog also gave a positive reaction to the bags.
Further inspection of the bags revealed a white powder secreted in their linings, and preliminary testing returned a positive result for cocaine. The total estimated gross weight is approximately 6kg.
Further forensic testing will be undertaken by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to determine the exact weight and purity of the substances.
AFP officers arrested the pair and transported them to the Airport Police Station where they were charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
Acting ABF Regional Commander NSW, Matt O’Connor, said criminals should be aware the ABF and its partner agencies have them in their sights.
“ABF officers have the skills, training and technology to detect these dangerous drugs at the border, no matter how criminals try to hide them,” A/g Commander O’Connor said.
“Anyone who thinks they can import these types of destructive substances, should know that with our partner agencies, we will catch you and you will face the full force of the law.”
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Mullins, said authorities were always on the lookout for people attempting to bring harmful drugs into Australia.
“The AFP and our partners are working seamlessly to protect our communities and combat the importation of illicit drugs across international borders,” Commander Mullins said.
“Anyone thinking an airport is a soft target should consider what they are facing – a potential life behind bars.”
The pair were refused bail and will appear at Sydney Central Local Court today (1 Feb 2019).
