National media release
Drug find at Cairns International Airport
Monday, 24 March 2008
This is a joint Media Release between the AFP and Customs
A Nigerian man has faced Cairns Magistrates Court this morning (Monday) charged with attempting to import drugs through Cairns International Airport inside his body.
The 39-year-old man was stopped by Customs officers when he arrived on a flight from Narita, Japan on Thursday 20 March.
During questioning, officers became suspicious the man may be concealing drugs internally and referred him to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
He was taken to Cairns Base Hospital for a medical examination where an x-ray revealed he was concealing more than 50 packages.
It will be alleged the man passed a total of 54 pellets containing approximately 945 grams of a white powder believed to be heroin.
The pellets are currently the subject of forensic testing to determine the exact weight and purity of the drugs.
The man has been charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug under the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $550,000.
Media inquiries
Customs Media (02) 6275 6793
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100