Media Release: Two charged over internally concealing drugs

Two Japanese nationals have been charged with drug importation offences for attempting to internally import drugs into Melbourne International Airport.

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) questioned the men when they arrived into Melbourne International Airport on Friday (22 August). During questioning, the ABPCS officers became suspicious the men may be concealing drugs internally.

CT scans revealed one of the men, a 51-year-old male, was internally concealing small pellets. He later passed 100 pellets with an estimated weight of 300 grams. The substance is suspected to be heroin, with forensic testing to take place to determine exact weight and purity.

AFP Manager Crime Operations Jennifer Hurst is reminding of the dangers of trying to import drugs by concealing them internally.

“The AFP and its partner agencies are committed to stopping drugs coming into our airports no matter how they are concealed,” said Commander Hurst.

“Importing drugs internally comes with serious health risks, and unfortunately in some cases causes death.”

ACBPS Acting Deputy Commander Strategic Border Command Jo Crooks said the detection is another example of Customs and Border Protection officers’ diligence at the border

“Customs and Border Protection officers are alert to all types of concealments,” Ms Crooks said.

“Stopping these drugs at the border is important to the safety of both the person concealing them internally, and also protects the local community from dangerous drugs reaching our streets.”

It is alleged his travelling companion, a 65-year-old man, was involved in the attempted importation. At the time of questioning, he was carrying his companions travel documentation, including the information to be used on his incoming passenger card.