Two men have been arrested and charged after they allegedly smuggled nearly $300,000 worth of heroin into Perth.
The Hungarian nationals, both 33, arrived on an overseas flight to Perth on Sunday where they were subject to a baggage search, during which one of the men said his stomach hurt and that he wanted to go to hospital.
Pellets of heroin allegedly excreted by Hungarian nationals after baggage search at Perth Airport.Credit: Australian Federal Police
Both men were taken to Royal Perth Hospital where, over a period of almost nine hours, one man excreted 30 pellets allegedly containing heroin, with an estimated total weight of 300 grams.
The other man vomited two pellets and then excreted another 29 during a 30-hour period. Those pellets – also alleged to contain heroin – had an estimated total weight of 310 grams.
Australian Federal Police inspector Shona Davis said she believes the men swallowed the drugs in 10-gram pellets before boarding the plane.
“Drug couriers are risking their own lives by transporting these drugs; if any pellets rupture in a courier’s stomach or another part of their body, it would cause them to overdose,” she said.
Pellets of heroin allegedly excreted by Hungarian nationals after baggage search at Perth Airport.Credit: Australian Federal Police
“We also want to remind people of the unhygienic way illicit drugs are produced and transported.
“The AFP is working closely with ABF and other partners to prevent drugs reaching our communities and ensure air travel is not used to facilitate criminal activity.”
Davis said the drugs represented a potential 3050 street deals, with a total estimated potential street value of more than $259,000.
Both men have been charged with one count each of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
Australian Border Force acting superintendent John Sweet said ABF officers remain committed to detecting and apprehending anyone intending to smuggle drugs into Australia.
“The risk that criminals take by trafficking drugs using internal bodily concealment is disproportionate with any perceived benefit,” acting Superintendent Sweet said.
“Our message is clear – if you are looking for a quick payday at the expense of our community, you will be caught and be met with the full weight of the law.”
The man who allegedly imported 31 pellets faced Northbridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody to reappear in court on January 6.
The man who allegedly imported 30 pellets appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to reappear in court on February 14.
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