Australian Border Force (ABF) has charged two men after an investigation into attempts to allegedly import cocaine and MDMA concealed in cosmetic cream, biscuits and confectionary.
One 28-year-old French national, in Perth on a temporary holiday visa, was arrested last week following search warrants executed at two backpacker hostels in East Perth and appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on 24 August.
ABF officers allege the searches uncovered evidence connected to the illicit substance imports, and officers seized a number of items including powder believed to be cocaine, $5,600 cash, electronic devices, passports, CCTV records, clothing, and packaging similar to that used in attempted drug imports.
This follows an arrest of a 30-year-old French national in July 2023, who is currently facing up to 25 years imprisonment, charged with importing a substance being a border controlled drug, namely cocaine, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). He appeared the Perth Magistrates court on Friday (25 August).
The investigation into this syndicate was sparked when ABF officers detected seven separate international mail packages, from June to August, allegedly containing a combined weight of 370 grams of cocaine and 72 grams of MDMA concealed in facial cream, biscuit packages and other household items.
ABF officers at Perth International Airport, in collaboration with Department of Home Affairs Intelligence, provided valuable assistance with the investigation.
ABF Commander Ranjeev Maharaj said criminals view Australia as a profitable market to target because of the high prices users will pay for drugs.
"Those involved in the illicit drug trade do not care about the harm it causes the community, only about the money they can make," Commander Maharaj said.
"Today's arrests should serve as a strong warning to organised criminals abroad and onshore who attempt to import drugs into Australia. We will continue to target and identify those involved and put them before the court to answer for their crimes."
The 28-year-old has been remanded in custody to next appear in early October, charged with:
- 1 x count of possessing a border controlled drug, namely cocaine contrary to section 307.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
- 1 x count of attempting to possess a border controlled drug, namely cocaine contrary to section 307.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) - (s11.1 Attempt).
Each offence can attract up to 25 years imprisonment, 5,000 penalty units or both.
Investigations are continuing to identify other persons of interest suspected to be involved.
Members of the public can also help disrupt illicit drug importations into Australia. Any suspicious activity can be reported to Border Watch at borderwatch.gov.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Vision of the arrest can be viewed and downloaded here.
Additional images can be downloaded here.
