Joint media release - Customs and Border Protection and Australian Federal Police

A 36-year-old Spanish man will face Sydney Central Local Court today charged with smuggling an estimated two kilograms of cocaine into Australia.

Customs and Border Protection officers selected the man for a baggage examination after he arrived at Sydney International Airport yesterday (Thursday 11 June) on a flight from Argentina.

During the baggage examination, officers became suspicious that the man may have been carrying drugs on his person.

A Customs and Border Protection officer conducted a frisk search of the man which revealed inconsistencies around the groin area and four packages containing a white powder were subsequently located.

The four packages weighed approximately two kilograms in total and initial testing of the substance indicated the presence of cocaine.

The man was referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to Section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

The substance will undergo further forensic testing to determine its exact weight and purity.

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

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