Victor Twartz, 91, has his drug importation case adjourned
HE has been called the world’s ‘oldest drug mule’ but today Victor Twartz turned heads for another reason when he arrived at court.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HE has been called the world’s ‘oldest drug mule’ but today Victor Twartz turned heads for another reason.
The 91-year-old left the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney this morning in a classic looking Nissan Figaro convertible.
Twartz and three friends squeezed into the 1960s car, which is estimated to be worth as much as $20,000, car after his drug importation case was adjourned.
His departure from the court in central Sydney was hardly discreet, with media waiting outside to speak to him.
Twartz was charged with importing 4.5 kilograms of cocaine worth more than a million dollars. The former oral surgeon was arrested at Sydney Airport in July after he returned from New Delhi.
He told reporters after his initial court appearance he believed the package he was carrying was soap.
“It looked like soap and it certainly was soap but had some streaks.’’
Twartz said he was about to leave India when he was asked to bring back a gift for someone in Australia.
“They ... took me to the airport and gave it to me at the last minute,” Twartz told the ABC.
Federal police officers warned him before he left on his trip he could be a target for scammers.
“There were warnings issued to him about his activities both here and overseas ... but you can only provide people with certain warnings,’’ Federal Police Assistant Commissioner David Stewart said at the time of the arrest.
“At the end of the day, they will make their own choices. There is no legal framework that we could apply to actually stop this person from travelling.”
It is believed Twartz is one of the oldest people in the world charged with importing drugs.
Originally published as Victor Twartz, 91, has his drug importation case adjourned
Premier’s rail strike comments come back to bite him
Two years ago Chris Minns called for then-transport minister David Elliott to resign over claims he went to bed during a crisis on Sydney’s train network. Now he is dealing with his own crisis.
What you need to know about Sydney train strikes
Sydney is bracing for a major transport upheaval as planned industrial action by the RTBU threatens to grind the city’s train network to a halt this weekend. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.