National media release
Alleged drug smuggler to face court
Monday, 04 August 2008
This is a joint Media Release between the AFP and Customs
A 52-year-old Australian woman has faced Sydney Central Local Court today charged with attempting to import narcotics at Sydney International Airport on Friday 1 August.
The Cabramatta woman was stopped on Friday by Customs officers when she arrived on a flight from Vietnam.
During questioning, Customs officers became suspicious that the woman was concealing drugs internally and referred her to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The woman was taken for a medical examination that subsequently indicated she was carrying foreign objects in her body.
It will be alleged in court that the woman attempted to import approximately
300 grams of powder that presumptively tested positive to the presence of heroin.
Forensic testing will confirm the purity and quantity of the drug.
The AFP charged the woman with the importation of a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug under section 307.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100