Morphine import charge against Birdavinder Singh Virk, 41, dropped in Alice Springs court
He was accused of importing more than 1.5kg of morphine into the Red Centre – but at his latest court appearance, he walked away a free man. Find out why.
The Commonwealth has dropped its case against a man in Alice Springs, in a brief court mention where scant detail was given as to why – and which ended with the man walking free.
Birdavinder Singh Virk, now 41, appeared in the Alice Springs Local Court on Thursday, where a single charge against him was dropped.
He had been charged with import/export border control drugs by the Australian Border Force last year, allegedly after trying to import 1.6kg of morphine into the Red Centre.
But on Thursday, Commonwealth prosecutor Ingrid Ibbett moved to withdraw the single charge – which Judge Greg MacDonald granted.
Mr Virk was also out on bail, and his defence lawyer Michael Penman asked he be discharged from his conditions.
Judge MacDonald also granted Mr Penman’s request.
Ms Ibbett did not give the court a reason as to why the charge was being dropped by the Commonwealth.
Mr Virk appeared in court, seated next to his partner, with his charge dropped in a roughly three-minute hearing before Judge MacDonald.
Outside of court, he appeared relieved, and was observed talking to Mr Penman.
The charge carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if proven.
In August, Border Force said the morphine had been found in international mail – “described as skin care products and health care items” – en route to the Red Centre via Sydney.
A home in Alice Springs was searched and the morphine was found, according to a statement from Border Force.
No mention was made in court as to what happened to the morphine.
Originally published as Morphine import charge against Birdavinder Singh Virk, 41, dropped in Alice Springs court
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