Alleged heroin smuggling plot uncovered after stomach ache at Perth Airport leads to hospital visit
Two men have been charged with importing heroin after a stomach ache exposed their alleged crimes.
The Hungarian men, both 33, were selected by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for a baggage examination upon their arrival at Perth Airport on Sunday.
One of the men indicated during the process that his stomach was hurting, and he wanted to go to hospital.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Paramedics assessed the men and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) were notified.
“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 300g,” the AFP said.
“The other man vomited up two pellets and then excreted another 29 pellets during a 30-hour period.
“Those pellets — also alleged to contain heroin — had an estimated total weight of 310g.”
Investigators believe the combined weight of the pellets from both men to be 610g.
“That amount of heroin could have been sold as 3050 street deals, with a total estimated potential street value of more than $259,000,” the AFP said.
The AFP will allege the pair swallowed the pellets before travelling to Australia.
Both men were charged with a count each of importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, namely heroin, into Australia.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years’ imprisonment.
One of the men, who allegedly imported 31 pellets in total, appeared before Northbridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody to reappear in court on January 6.
The other man, who allegedly imported 30 pellets, appeared before Northbridge Magistrates Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to reappear in court on February 14.
Anyone who allegedly conceals drugs internally risks more than substantial jail time, AFP Inspector Shona Davis said.
“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,” Davis said.
“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.”
ABF officers remain committed to detecting and apprehending anyone looking to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia, ABF Acting Superintendent John Sweet said.
“The risk that criminals take by trafficking drugs using internal bodily concealment is disproportionate with any perceived benefit,” 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.”
Originally published on 7NEWS