Australian Border Force stops harmful drugs entering Sydney
Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators have charged a 49-year-old Australian citizen with importing 6.7kg of ephedrine concealed in toiletries and food products.
On 12 September, ABF officers conducted an examination of the woman’s baggage after she arrived at Sydney International Airport from Vietnam. During the search, ABF officers noticed inconsistent packing of the toiletries and food products, with subsequent testing proving positive for ephedrine.
Ephedrine is used as a precursor agent in the manufacture of illegal amphetamine substances, such as ice.
The woman appeared in Central Local court on Tuesday (13 September 2016) charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled precursor contrary to section 307.11 of the Criminal Code Act 1995, which carries a maximum penalty for an individual of 25 years’ imprisonment.
ABF Acting Commander Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Tim Pieper, said these seizures are unfortunately on the rise in Sydney, with ephedrine becoming a growing problem in the community.
“ABF officers have once again displayed their professionalism and expertise in detecting and stopping these harmful substances from crossing the border,” Acting Commander Pieper said.
“This seizure sends a clear message to potential drug importers that our officers will not only intercept drugs at our borders, we will actively pursue, arrest and seek to prosecute people facilitating the illicit drug industry, which causes serious harm to our community.”
The woman will reappear in court on 28 September 2016.
*Broadcast quality footage of the concealment is avaibale on the newsroom.
Media contact: Immigration and Border Protection (02) 6264 2244
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