National media release
Man arrested over internal drug concealment
Friday, 29 August 2008
A 45-year-old Zimbabwean man will face Perth Magistrates Court today charged with attempting to import heroin into Australia.
Customs officers at Perth International Airport stopped the man for a baggage examination after he arrived on a flight from South Africa on 27 August 2008.
During questioning Customs officers became suspicious that he may be concealing drugs internally.
The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and taken to hospital for a medical examination.
An x-ray indicated that the man was carrying a number of foreign objects in his stomach.
It will be alleged in court that the man passed a total of 91 packages containing approximately 800 grams of powder believed to be heroin.
The packages will undergo forensic testing to determine the exact weight and purity of the drugs.
The AFP has charged the man with the importation of a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, heroin, contrary to the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100