National media release
Man charged over cocaine disguised as paracetamol
Monday, 30 June 2008
This is a joint Media Release between the AFP and Customs
A 56-year-old United States citizen will appear in Sydney Central Local Court today charged with importing approximately 200 grams of cocaine disguised as paracetamol capsules.
Customs officers at Sydney Airport stopped the man after he arrived on a flight from New York yesterday.
During a search of the man's baggage, officers found two bottles of what appeared to be pain relief medication. Preliminary testing indicated the presence of cocaine inside the capsules.
Australian Federal Police arrested the man and charged him with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug contrary to the Commonwealth Criminal Code 1995.
The capsules are the subject of further forensic testing to determine the exact weight and purity of the drug.
The maximum penalty for these offences is 25 years imprisonment and/or a $550,000 fine.
Media enquiries:
AFP Media (Canberra): (02) 6275 7100