Heroin Concealed In Dress Buttons

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

12 November 2009

Heroin Concealed in Dress Buttons

A 29-year-old Malaysian woman faced Perth Magistrates Court yesterday
charged with importing heroin into Australia concealed within buttons.

Customs and Border Protection stopped the woman for questioning when she
arrived at Perth International Airport on a flight from Malaysia on Tuesday (10
November).

During baggage examinations, officers became suspicious that the woman may
have been concealing drugs within clothing inside her suitcase.

One of the buttons was deconstructed and a white powder was revealed.
Presumptive testing of the powder indicated the presence of heroin.

The woman was then referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

It will be alleged in court the woman concealed approximately 500 grams of
heroin inside 574 buttons sewed onto 28 dresses.

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

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

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




Media inquiries:
Customs and Border Protection Communication and Media
(02) 6275 6793

AFP National Media
(02) 6275 7100


SOURCE: Customs and Border Protection