JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
11 August 2008
Heroin in suitcase at Melbourne Airport
A 32-year-old South African woman will face Melbourne Magistrates Court
today charged with importing almost two kilograms of heroin into Australia.
Customs officers at Melbourne International Airport stopped the woman and
searched her baggage after she arrived on a flight from Bangkok on Saturday
morning (9 August).
An x-ray of the woman’s suitcase revealed an image consistent with a possible
drug concealment. Further investigation found a quantity of white powder inside
the lining of the suitcase.
Preliminary testing of the powder indicated the substance to be heroin. Further
forensic testing will confirm the drug, its exact weight and purity.
The woman was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and charged
with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug contrary to the
Criminal Code Act (1995).
She appeared before a bail justice on Saturday evening and was remanded in
custody until today when she will reappear before a magistrate.
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment and/or an $825,000
fine.
Media inquiries:
Customs Media (02) 6275 6793
AFP Media (Canberra) (02) 6275 7100
NEWS 
