Malaysian Man Charged With Drug Possession

J O I N T M E D I A R E L E A S E

17 November 2009


Malaysian man charged with drug possession


A 26-year-old Malaysian man was charged today with importing approximately
640 grams of cocaine into Australia, concealed inside his body.

Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the man for questioning when
he arrived at Melbourne International Airport on a flight from Malaysia on
Sunday (15 November).

During baggage examinations officers became suspicious that the man may
have been concealing drugs internally.

The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and taken for a
medical examination.

It will be alleged in court that the man concealed approximately 640 grams of
cocaine in 78 pellets internally.

Further forensic testing will be undertaken to confirm the drug, its weight and
purity.

The man was charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border-
controlled drug contrary to section 307.2(1) and possessing a marketable
quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.6(1) of the Criminal
Code Act 1995.

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



Media enquiries

Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793
AFP National Media (02) 6275 7100