This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.
Two Canadian nationals have been charged with allegedly importing approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia, hidden inside their luggage.
On Saturday (29 February 2020), a 27-year-old man and 26-year-old woman arrived into Melbourne Airport from Vancouver, Canada. The two Canadian nationals had their luggage examined by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers. An x-ray examination revealed anomalies to the lining of four luggage items.
A bag of white crystalline material was allegedly located in the lining of the luggage. Presumptive testing of the crystalline material from the luggage items returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
ABF officers identified four one-kilogram packages of methamphetamine inside each of the luggage items. The total quantity of methamphetamine imported is estimated to be 16 kilograms.
The matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). AFP officers arrested and charged the two Canadian nationals with:
- One count of import a border-controlled drug namely methamphetamine, in a commercial quantity, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- Two counts of possess a border-controlled drug, unlawfully imported, namely methamphetamine, in a commercial quantity, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
The man and woman have been remanded in custody to appear in Victoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 22 May 2020.
AFP Acting Commander Investigations, Southern Command Jayne Crossling said that the operation was another example of how highly effective detection capabilities combined with investigative efforts could bring about successful operational outcomes.
“The AFP is continuing its enquiries into the source of this drug importation to target and identify organised criminal networks using couriers to profit from potentially vulnerable and drug-impacted individuals,” a/Cmdr. Crossling said.
ABF Regional Commander Victoria and Tasmania, Craig Palmer, said this detection was the result of the skill and intuition of ABF officers working at the border to identify potential threats.
“As a result of officer’s intuition, these passengers were targeted for a baggage search. When the contents of the male passenger’s suitcase was emptied by ABF officers, they noted that it still seemed unusually heavy which led to it being x-rayed,” Commander Palmer said.
“Similar discrepancies were found with the suitcases of the female passenger. This is a good example of the real-time capabilities of our officers working at the border, 24 hours a day, to protect the Australian community from harmful drugs.”
Anyone with information about the importation of illicit drugs and precursors should contact BorderWatch at Australia.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia’s border. Information can be provided anonymously.
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
