Polish Man Arrested For Importing Cocaine

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

29 October 2009

Polish man arrested for importing cocaine

A 39-year-old Polish man has been arrested in Sydney for attempting to import
approximately four kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the lining of his
suitcase.

Customs and Border Protection officers stopped the man for questioning when
he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight originating from California
via Argentina and New Zealand yesterday (28 October).

During the examination, officers became suspicious that there may have been
something concealed within the lining of the man's suitcase.

An x-ray of the suitcase revealed four packages concealed within the lining of
the suitcase. Initial testing indicated the presence of cocaine.

The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police who charged him with
importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug contrary to section
307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

He will appear before the Sydney Central Local Court today.

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

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/AFP