Two charged, eight kilograms of cocaine seized at Melbourne Airport

Two German nationals are scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court today, charged with attempting to import approximately eight kilograms of cocaine into Australia.

A 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman arrived at Melbourne International Airport yesterday morning (Wednesday, 19 July 2017) on a flight from Germany.

The pair’s luggage was selected for examination. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected a suspicious powder concealed within the luggage. Initial testing returned a positive result for cocaine. Further forensic testing will be conducted to determine the exact weight and purity of the cocaine.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) subsequently arrested the man and woman. They were later charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

ABF Acting Regional Commander Victoria and Tasmania, Rod Winchester, said Wednesday’s outcome should serve as a warning to those thinking of importing or exporting illegal substances.

“The ABF screens tens of millions of air travellers each year, and the fact we are able to pinpoint individuals and detect and seize these drugs is a testament to our officers,” Acting Regional Commander Winchester said.

“This is another great example of our intelligence and border screening methods working together to stop dangerous drugs entering the country.”

AFP acting Commander Krissy Barrett, Manager Organised Crime, said law enforcement and border protection agencies were attune to the tactics used by criminals.

“We work closely together with our partners in the aviation environment to disrupt any attempt to bring illicit drugs into Australia,” acting Commander Barrett said.