Man charged with importing approximately 2.5kg of cocaine

A 29-year-old Italian man was arrested at Melbourne International Airport yesterday (12 September 2016) after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers found approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the man’s luggage.

The man arrived in Melbourne on a flight from New Zealand, after originally leaving from South America, and was stopped by ABF officers for a baggage examination.

After x-rays revealed anomalies within the lining of the man’s suitcase, the ABF officers located a concealed white substance weighing approximately 2.5 kilograms that returned presumptive positive readings for cocaine.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the exact weight and purity.

The man was taken into custody by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and charged with both importing and possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.1(1) and 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The maximum penalty for these offences is 25 years jail and/or a $550,000 fine.

The man appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear again before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 20 December 2016.

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