Drug Mule Busted at Melbourne Airport with Cocaine Capsules
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have cracked down on a drug smuggler at Melbourne International Airport. The man, arriving from the Middle East on Wednesday 28 December 2022, was caught after a routine baggage check flagged cocaine in his luggage.
Hospital CT Scan Reveals Shocking Discovery
AFP officers whisked the suspect to Royal Melbourne Hospital for a CT scan. The man then excreted six yellow plastic capsules, allegedly containing around 120 grams of cocaine. The internal smuggling attempt shows just how far some go to sneak drugs into Australia.
Facing Serious Jail Time
He has been charged with importing a marketable quantity of cocaine under section 307.2(1) of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years behind bars. The man appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 December and has been remanded in custody until a committal hearing on 27 March 2023.
Authorities Warn Against Dangerous Smuggling
“Smuggling drugs internally is idiotic – it risks fatal overdose or permanent organ damage,” AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Chris Salmon said.
“No matter how you try to hide illicit substances, you will be caught,” added ABF Acting Superintendent Ian Beasant. “Don’t risk your health – our officers are trained to stop you at the border.”
